London Launches "World-Leading" Pollution Rules – But What Next Across The UK?

London Ultra Low Emission Zone

Local authorities across the UK are set to introduce a potentially confusing mixture of schemes in the wake of London’s “world-leading” vehicle emission restrictions, researchers have warned.

A study by the RAC Foundation says cities including, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield are planning their own programmes – but warned that motorists may be left “bewildered” by the arrival of “a patchwork approach.”

The capital’s new ultra-low emission zone was launched on April 8 to start cleaning up the toxic air which is blamed for the premature deaths of thousands of people.

From the launch, a charge of £12.50 has been imposed to drive into central London in all but the most environmentally friendly cars and vans.

The fee is in operation 24 hours a day within the capital’s congestion charge zone. That means motorists who are affected face a double hit between 7am and 6pm, putting the total up to £24.

The move aims to cut road transport emissions by 45 per cent. London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan said the scheme was launched because thousands of Londoners were dying early every year as a result of toxic air, with an increased risk of cancer, asthma, dementia and stroke. He tweeted “A world first today — our Ultra Low Emission Zone is now in effect in central London, making our air safer for everyone.”

Ulez uses number plate recognition and will apply to most petrol cars more than 14 years old and to diesel cars and vans not certified to the latest Euro 6 standard in force from 2015. The initiative is due to be extended in October 2021 to include the entire area within the north and south circular roads.

The RAC Foundation study found a wide range of schemes in the pipeline in places including Birmingham, Glasgow, Bath, Greater Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield. Cities including Leicester, Coventry and Derby, were also at various stages of deciding or implementing measures.

That means, with varying systems set  to be in place, motorists in the future may face differing rules and charges.

RAC Foundation Director Steve Gooding said that “with good reason” councils were looking to follow London and improve air quality.

But he said a patchwork approach where towns have varying restrictions, charges and penalties “can appear bewildering.”

He called for some kind of “regulatory uniformity”. That, he said, could not only increase compliance but also “allow drivers and businesses to buy vehicles they know they will be able to use in the future, albeit possibly at an additional cost.”

In London, City Hall forecasts that the measures introduced this year, in tandem with the extended plan from 2021 will bring almost all the capital within European legal air limits by 2025.  Currently air quality breaches legal limits at 451 schools, but City Hall says that by 2021 no London primary and secondary schools should be in areas of toxic pollution.

The scheme has been welcomed by environmentalists and schools. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) described it as a positive step but said smaller firms could struggle with the charge. CBI London director Eddie Curzon, said it was crucial the capital’s City Hall worked with firms to help them take advantage of new technologies and supported them, “where required, to accelerate the take-up of low emission vehicles.”

The Road Haulage Association described Ulez as “simplistic and anti-motorist” and said some operators would stop working in the capital.