London’s ultra low emission zone has been more effective than hoped at deterring drivers of the most polluting vehicles from entering the city centre, according to the first figures.
Provisional data for the first two weeks of Mayor Sadiq Khan’s anti-pollution scheme show 70 per cent of vehicles met the tougher emissions standards — meaning they have not had to pay the £12.50-a-day levy.
Transport chiefs emphasise that the figures need to be verified over a longer period as the Ulez was launched on the first day of the Easter school holiday fortnight, when traffic is traditionally lighter. The figures may also have been distorted by a week of eco protests by Extinction Rebellion activists.
Transport for London commissioner Mike Brown said: “Broadly there has been 70 per cent compliance with vehicles entering the ultra low emission zone.”
The level of compliance is at the highest end of TfL’s predictions. It had expected about two thirds of vehicles to meet the rules on exhaust emissions, which have been introduced to reduce the level of nitrogen oxide gases.
About 91,000 vehicles a day enter the Ulez zone, which uses the same central London boundary as the congestion charge.
Prior to the April 8 launch, TfL said about 55,500 vehicles regularly spotted in the zone were compliant, with 35,500 expected to pay the 24/7 charge, generating up to £210 million a year in income for TfL.
The figures come amid growing concern at rising traffic levels in London, primarily caused by an increased number of vans. TfL attributes this to the growth in online deliveries. Mr Brown, disclosing provisional 2018/19 travel figures to the London Assembly, said the increase in vans was an “emerging challenge”. He said that the total number of journeys made by public transport had increased slightly, after recent downturns. The number of cycling trips also increased.
A report by the Centre for London think tank today suggested replacing the Ulez and the congestion charge with a “pay per mile” scheme based on how congested and polluting the journey is expected to be. It said this would be “fairer” than a flat-rate charge. The scheme would use a smartphone app and GPS to give travellers the estimated cost of using a car or public transport prior to embarking on their journey.
