ULEZ expansion gets High Court approval

The expansion to London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will go ahead as planned after a High Court ruling.

ULEZ was introduced in 2019 to reduce pollution in the centre of the capital and expanded in 2021 to include areas within the North and South Circular Roads.

A statement from London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s office said: “The judge found that the legal basis on which the Mayor made the decision to expand the ULEZ was sound, and in line with previous decisions on the ULEZ and the Congestion Charge, and that the ULEZ could legally apply to all roads within the expanded zone.”

Khan said: “The decision to expand the ULEZ was very difficult and not something I took lightly, and I continue to do everything possible to address any concerns Londoners may have.

“The ULEZ has already reduced toxic nitrogen dioxide air pollution by nearly half in central London and a fifth in inner London. The coming expansion will see five million more Londoners being able to breathe cleaner air.

“I’ve been listening to Londoners throughout the ULEZ rollout, which is why from next week I am expanding the scrappage scheme to nearly a million families who receive child benefit and all small businesses with up to fifty employees. I will continue to look at new ideas to support Londoners.”