HILLINGDON, Harrow and Bexley councils are to work together to resist expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) across the whole of Greater London.

The plan, to take effect from next August, was announced by the Mayor of London today (25).

Hillingdon leader Cllr Ian Edwards said: “[We] remain vehemently opposed to this half-baked plan and we will do everything in our power to stop it from going ahead. 

“London cannot be treated with a one-size-fits-all approach when the make-up of inner boroughs is incredibly different to ours. 

“Unlike urban parts of the capital, our residents don’t have the luxury of a frequent, multi-layered transport system.

“Many have little option other than to use their cars for everyday travel.

“Imposing the ULEZ charge is not only wrong-headed but is completely unfair and will hit the poorest in our communities hardest.

“What Hillingdon really needs is not another tax but increased investment in its public transport links.” 

He insisted there were better ways of improving air quality and the Mayor of London ought to be doing all he could to boost London’s recovery rather than implementing a money grab from those that could least afford it. 

Harrow leader Cllr Paul Osborn said: “This is an outrageous announcement. Mayor Khan has ignored London’s residents and businesses and pushed ahead with his vanity project.”

Bexley leader Cllr Baroness O'Neill added: "We are an outer London borough with poor transport connections, which means many people are reliant on their cars, including many who travel into the borough from outside London.”