The Mayor of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone expansion could be blocked by Downing Street, under plans being considered by ministers.
The Telegraph reports Whitehall officials and legal advisors are weighing up whether the London Mayor has exceeded his powers under the Greater London Authority Act of 1999.
It says that, under the act, the Government has the power to veto any proposals by the Mayor that are “inconsistent” with national transport policies and “detrimental” to areas outside Greater London, but that the powers, under section 143 of the Act, have never been used before.
Sadiq Khan is set to expand the ULEZ zone to cover all 32 boroughs in London, with vehicles that fail to meet emissions standards being forced to pay £12.50 every day to travel.
The Telegraph quotes Paul Scully, Minister for London, as saying: “There are various avenues to look at in the GLA Act. It says the Government can step in and veto anything that is in contravention to the national strategy.
“Does the Ulez expansion affect people in other parts of the country? You can make the argument that it does. It affects a whole load of people in Surrey, Kent and Hertfordshire who didn’t get a say on it. It is taxation without representation.”
Several councils on the edge of London are planning legal action against the plans, while other Home Counties are threatening to refuse to co-operate with signage and cameras.
(Picture – RAC)
