The expansion of London’s ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) has been blocked by No 10 after government lawyers warned that their attempt to overrule it would not stand in court.
Cabinet ministers were contemplating the use of a little-known legal power that allows them to reject a London mayor’s transport strategy if it contradicts national policies. However, formal legal advice obtained by The Telegraph determined that such an action would be unsuccessful if legally challenged.
The Ulez expansion, which will enforce a £12.50 daily charge for the most polluting vehicles across Greater London, is still scheduled to begin on August 29 despite increasing opposition from both Tory and Labour MPs.
This decision comes in the midst of mounting concerns about the use of scientific evidence to justify the scheme.
According to The Telegraph, it has been revealed that Sadiq Khan’s deputy requested alterations to a Lancet study that concluded London’s low emissions zone had no impact on children’s health. The email correspondence shows that Shirley Rodrigues asked Prof Chris Griffiths from Queen Mary University of London to modify the study’s conclusion. The study found “no evidence” of health benefits to children’s lungs.
This revelation follows The Telegraph’s previous report on Ms. Rodrigues attempting to discredit Imperial College scientists who found that the Ulez had minimal impact on pollution. There have been calls for the deputy mayor to resign and for any further correspondence between the Mayor’s office and scientists to be made public.
‘Sadiq Khan and Starmer could stop this’
The Government is now facing pressure to intervene, regardless of the legal advice received.
A source from Downing Street stated, “We have considered various options, but they are limited. The individuals who could put a stop to this immediately are the Labour Mayor, Sadiq Khan, and Sir Keir Starmer.”
According to Whitehall insiders, No 10 and the Department for Transport (DfT) questioned if they could exploit a legal loophole to prevent the Ulez expansion following the Conservative party’s victory in the Uxbridge by-election last month. The constituency will be included in the Ulez, and Labour attributed their defeat to a backlash from voters.
A little-known section of the 1999 Greater London Authority Act allows the transport secretary to effectively block a London mayor’s policy if it contradicts national transport policies and if this contradiction harms areas outside Greater London.
The government subsequently sought formal legal advice, as reported by GB News, indicating the seriousness with which they considered this option. However, government lawyers determined that such an action would likely be overturned in court if challenged, as the UK Government is actively promoting measures to improve air pollution, rendering the Ulez consistent with their stance.
According to sources, No 10 decided to abandon this approach and explore other alternatives. However, with less than a week remaining, time is running out.
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