The vehicle retailers’ industry body the National Franchised Dealers Association has reacted to the decision to expand London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone to cover the whole of the capital as “flawed”, as it will “have disproportionate effect on London’s most deprived communities and motorists.”
The organisation says it opposed the idea in the recent consultation, but despite opposition to the expansion in the consultation, the Mayor Sadiq Khan has decided to go ahead with it from next August.
Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealer Association which represents car and commercial retailers across the UK commented: “Whilst NFDA understands the importance of tackling air pollution in the capital and to combat climate issues, we still believe that this ULEZ expansion proposal is flawed. The Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) expansion will undoubtedly have a disproportionate and adverse effect on London’s most deprived communities and motorists.
“This £12.50 daily charge will hit businesses, key workers and less affluent families the hardest and the additional cost to some of London’s poorest communities will push some families over the brink and force a reduction in their access to private mobility.
“This move is during one of Britain’s worst cost of living crises, rising inflation and steep energy prices. We do not believe that this has been fully considered by Transport for London and looks more and more to be a money generating scheme for TfL.”
(Picture – RAC)
