Londoners facing charges under the city's Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) may see policy changes if Conservative mayoral contender James Cleverly is successful. Cleverly, who recently resigned from the Conservative front bench to pursue a bid for City Hall, has pledged to conduct a comprehensive review of the ULEZ policy.
The ULEZ was initially introduced in 2019, requiring drivers of vehicles that do not meet specific emission standards to pay a daily charge of £12.50. The zone was later expanded to encompass all 32 of London's boroughs, a move that drew criticism for potentially burdening families with the cost of purchasing newer vehicles.
Cleverly has characterized the current policy as a "vindictive assault on drivers" and expressed a commitment to alleviating financial pressures on residents and businesses. "So I want to look at a whole range of options to ease the costs and pressure of people getting around the city and doing business in the city," he stated.
While stopping short of promising to abolish the ULEZ entirely, Cleverly indicated a desire to prevent residents from being compelled to make costly purchases, such as electric cars. He is campaigning for the mayoral position while remaining on the back benches and will not seek re-election to his Braintree constituency in the upcoming general election. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch was reportedly supportive of his decision to step down from the shadow cabinet, according to Cleverly.
Mayor Sadiq Khan is currently midway through an unprecedented third term. It remains unconfirmed whether he will seek re-election in May 2028. Cleverly also raised concerns that devolution plans championed by Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham, could shift power towards Manchester at the expense of London.