The London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is set to expand into Outer London on August 29, with Kingston affected as part of the decision.
The ULEZ scheme is designed to lessen the effects of air pollution on the health of Londoners and ensure clean air for the capital’s future.
Kingston residents will be forced to pay a £12.50 daily charge for driving non-compliant vehicles in the zone.
ULEZ compliance vehicles must emit no more than 0.08g/km of Nitrous Oxide (NOx) and meet the Euro emission standards.
Criticism has come from London councils with many claiming the scheme is unfair to residents and punishes those unable to afford a modern vehicle.
The response from Transport for London has been to offer the £110m scrappage scheme, allowing businesses, charities, and sole traders to apply for grants of £9,500. Low-income Londoners have access to a grant of £2,000 for replacing non-compliant vehicles.
Kingston Council Leader Andreas Kirsch told the BBC in January 2023 that he “would like to see the scheme delayed for at least a year to reflect the impact the cost-of-living crisis is having on business and residents.”
The Kingston Courier went to central Kingston to find out from residents how they feel about the ULEZ expansion, and what they expect come August 29.
