Drivers hit out at potential uptake of ‘ultra-low emission’ zones

Drivers have hit out at the Government for the potential increase of ‘ultra-low emissions’ zones across the UK.

The Alliance of British Drivers (ABD) says owners of ‘eco-branded family hatchbacks’ will see a plummet in values if a ‘likely’ uptake of these zones happens.

Earlier this year, Mayor Sadiq Khan confirmed plans for a large-scale expansion of the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) which will be introduced for central London in April 2019. As a result, the ULEZ will expand up the North and South Circular roads from October 2021.

Cars entering the area that do not meet the requirements for fee-free entry to the zone will be subject to a £12.50 daily charge. Petrol vehicles not conforming with Euro 4 emissions standards or later will be affected, along with diesel vehicles that do not meet Euro 6 or later regulations.

Nigel Humphries, a spokesperson for the ABD, said: “Many people think that as they don’t drive in London, or that they drive newish ‘eco’ cars, this won’t affect them. They are wrong. The UK Government have given powers to local authorities to introduce emissions-based charges pretty much at their whim and with no justification.

“Councils all over the UK are looking to copy Sadiq Khan’s lead, Manchester being well advanced in its plan. Values of the many affected cars, and even some that are not currently affected will fall due to fear of future charges long before they even happen. If the government wish to avoid ‘Yellow Vest’ style protests they need to act now, remove such powers from local authorities and ban all such schemes.”