A businessman from Keston in Bromley, South London, has expressed his frustration after spending a staggering £150,000 to make his waste paper disposal company’s vehicles compliant with the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) regulations. The ULEZ was recently extended to include outer London, compelling drivers of non-eco-friendly vehicles to pay a daily charge of £12.50 to drive in the capital.
Joe Howell, 63, is vehemently opposed to the ULEZ initiative, despite having invested heavily to meet its requirements. “I’ve had to purchase new vans and lorries. I even applied for the scrappage scheme but was rejected. The cost has been enormous—around £150,000,” Howell told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
He further highlighted that the scheme has led many to abandon their businesses. “A colleague of mine shut down his business, which had 31 vans, and laid off 275 employees, all because of ULEZ,” Howell added.
Howell also pointed out that the inadequate public transport system in Bromley makes residents more dependent on cars. “My son lives in Biggin Hill, where there’s no train station or Underground. Yet he’s still required to pay the ULEZ charge because the local bus service is unreliable,” he said.
Bromley Council, along with other councils like Bexley, Harrow, Hillingdon, and Surrey, had legally challenged the ULEZ expansion. Although the High Court deemed the scheme lawful in July, Council Leader Colin Smith vowed to continue the fight against it.
Colin Smith warned, “The Mayor continues to push forward with ULEZ, seemingly unaware of the extensive harm and suffering he’s causing to many.”
In response, a spokesperson for the Mayor of London stated, “The Mayor couldn’t simply watch as nearly 4,000 Londoners die prematurely each year due to air pollution. The ULEZ aims to combat life-altering illnesses like cancer, lung disease, dementia, and asthma.”
The Mayor’s office also noted that 90% of cars in outer London are already ULEZ-compliant.
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Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
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