Parts of Essex could fall under the ULEZ if plans to extend it go ahead.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, has requested Transport For London to conduct a consultation to expand it. If the proposals move forward, the area would then extend all the way through Essex and to the border with Kent.
The consultation period for the expansion is scheduled to come to a close in August 2023. ULEZ was initially launched by Mr Khan in 2019 based on plans presented by Boris Johnson, reports Essex Live.
The zone initially exclusively applied to Central London, the same area as the congestion charge. The charge is enforced on motorists whose vehicle does not meet the most current European emission standards.
The possible expansion of the ULEZ comes after drivers in London were warned they face a £160 fine as part of expanded road enforcement rules. The shake-up means Transport for London (TfL) now has the power to fine drivers instead of the police, as reported by Highways News.
As well as being issued a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) for driving into a cycle lane, motorists face a fine for parking or stopping in one too. TfL will use its CCTV camera network to enforce the cycle lane contraventions at key locations.
First-time offenders will receive a warning letter rather than a fine for the first six months of the scheme. TfL is already in charge of fining drivers who veer into bus lanes and yellow box junctions.
It will issue cycle lane fines at the same level as other red route penalty charge notices, meaning the £160 fine will be halved to £80 if paid within two weeks.
