London borough says it will block installation of ULEZ cameras to send "strong signal" to Mayor

Sutton Council has announced that it will block the installation of Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) cameras in the borough, arguing that the scheme is “unfair to its residents”.

The Sutton Lib Dems, who lead Sutton Council, have revealed that the council will not be signing a Section 8 agreement with TfL, “which means we are not cooperating and no Sutton Council funds or resources will be spent on installing ULEZ cameras”.

The move comes after the Mayor of London announced that London's Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) is to be expanded.

Drivers of cars that don’t meet the emissions standards will have to pay £12.50 a day to enter to the Greater London Authority boundary, from 29 August 2023.

The announcement came despite “overwhelming” opposition to the plans, after a public consultation found 80% of people in the affected areas were opposed the expansion of the zone.

Responding to the Mayor’s decision in November to go ahead with the expansion, Cllr Barry Lewis, Chair of Sutton Council’s Environment & Sustainable Transport Committee, said: “This is the wrong decision at this time. Mayor Khan is leaving Londoners high and dry by ignoring Sutton Council, residents and businesses in the ULEZ consultation. His short-sighted expansion of the scheme will cut the people of Sutton off from work, family and security."

Sutton Lib Dems argue the scheme is unfair to its residents, who rely more heavily on cars and buses to get around, as the borough does not have any London Underground or Overground services.

Individual boroughs must give permission to TfL to install the 2,750 cameras needed for the expansion of ULEZ.

In a statement, Sutton Liberal Democrats said: "We are taking this step to send a strong signal to the mayor [of London] that he must start listening to local people.

"Though the Mayor has the right to overrule us, and may attempt to force this unpopular decision on the residents of Sutton, we are clear that would be the wrong thing to do."

The party is calling for Transport for London to introduce a more comprehensive scrappage scheme, provide more time for people to change to compliant vehicles, and increase the number of buses and trams in Sutton.

Speaking to the BBC, A mayoral spokesperson for Mr Khan said: "Toxic air is a matter of life and death.

"About 4,000 Londoners die prematurely each year due to the toxic air in our city and the mayor makes no apology for making the tough decision to expand the ultra-low emission zone.”

Lottie Winson