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SIGN OF TROUBLE

Ulez rebellion just days before hated levy extension as councils on the edge of London REFUSE to put up warning signs

COUNCILS on London’s outskirts are refusing to put up signs warning drivers they are about to enter the Ulez clean-air zone.

Boards across the capital’s outer boroughs remind motorists a £12.50-a-day fee awaits if their vehicle is not compliant with the Ultra Low Emission Zone.

File photo dated 6/4/19 of an information sign at Tower Hill in central London for the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez). Abandoning green policies could cost the Conservatives the next general election, the Environment Secretar Therese Coffey has warned colleagues. Issue date: Sunday August 6, 2023. PA Photo. Ms Coffey said the party must show it cares about the environment in order to win, but cautioned it must not be in a way that "burdens" the public. The Tories' narrow victory to hold on to Uxbridge and South Ruislip last month has led to calls to rethink the way policies to alleviate the climate crisis are implemented. See PA story POLITICS Environment. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire
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Council chiefs are refusing to erect signs that would warn drivers they are about to enter the Ulez clean-air zoneCredit: Yui Mok / PA Wire

But Kent, Surrey and Herts chiefs are refusing to erect signs — insisting they will not endorse London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s plan, set to expand from August 29.

Tory Herts council chief Richard Roberts branded Ulez growth a “real insult to people who are struggling”.

He told the BBC: “We don’t think the mayor consulted well on this, it's not well thought through, at a time of cost of living increase, it’s really insensitive.

“It’s taxing those who can least afford to pay individual charges.

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“Why has he decided to settle on this regressive tax on those who can least afford to change?

“One in ten cars won't meet the new rules and will have to pay extra to see friends and family, drive their kids to school, or pick up the shopping.”

A spokesman for the Mayor said signs would help motorists “drive safely and conveniently”.

They added: “TfL is trying to work collaboratively with councils to install cameras and signage, including outside London, but some are still refusing to cooperate.

“If residents with non-compliant vehicles drive in the expanded ULEZ by mistake after 29th August these councils will have to accept their share of responsibility.

“By not putting up signs these councils outside London are currently not fulfilling their responsibility as public bodies to ensure their residents and other motorists have all the information they need.”

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