COUNCILS on London’s outskirts are refusing to put up signs warning drivers they are about to enter the Ulez clean-air zone.
Boards across the capital’s outer boroughs remind motorists a £12.50-a-day fee awaits if their vehicle is not compliant with the Ultra Low Emission Zone.
Council chiefs are refusing to erect signs that would warn drivers they are about to enter the Ulez clean-air zoneYui Mok / PA Wire
But Kent, Surrey and Herts chiefs are refusing to erect signs — insisting they will not endorse London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s plan, set to expand from August 29.
Tory Herts council chief Richard Roberts branded Ulez growth a “real insult to people who are struggling”.
He told the BBC: “We don’t think the mayor consulted well on this, it’s not well thought through, at a time of cost of living increase, it’s really insensitive.
“It’s taxing those who can least afford to pay individual charges.
“Why has he decided to settle on this regressive tax on those who can least afford to change?
“One in ten cars won’t meet the new rules and will have to pay extra to see friends and family, drive their kids to school, or pick up the shopping.”
A spokesman for the Mayor said signs would help motorists “drive safely and conveniently”.
They added: “TfL is trying to work collaboratively with councils to install cameras and signage, including outside London, but some are still refusing to cooperate.
“If residents with non-compliant vehicles drive in the expanded ULEZ by mistake after 29th August these councils will have to accept their share of responsibility.
“By not putting up signs these councils outside London are currently not fulfilling their responsibility as public bodies to ensure their residents and other motorists have all the information they need.”