Watford MP Dean Russell backs bill to let MPs overturn ULEZ expansion

Former Cabinet minister Theresa Villiers urged MPs to back her Greater London Authority Act 1999 (Amendment) Bill, which would allow ministers to intervene on decisions about transport and air quality.

If London mayor Sadiq Khan’s plan goes ahead, the expanded zone will see drivers in outer London pay a £12.50 daily fee from August 29 if their vehicles do not meet required emissions standards.

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Mr Russell said: “ULEZ is a scheme which is not supported by many, many residents across Watford and I oppose the expansion wholeheartedly.

“This issue is raised with me at every surgery and on the doorstep by constituents.

"Conservatives want to empower communities and we are listening to views every day. No one I speak to supports this move, and more than 50,000 people have signed the Conservative petition on ULEZ.

“I agree with Theresa Villiers that the government should be given powers to overturn ULEZ, in addition to other transport schemes.

"I will be supporting her law change which would permit ministers to intervene on crucial decisions relating to transport and air quality.”Watford MP Dean Russell

Although the bill also has the backing of other Conservative London MPs such as Sir Iain Duncan Smith and Bob Blackman, it is not due to be considered again until November 24, and is thought to be unlikely to progress due to a lack of parliamentary time.

Mr Khan’s team says he is responding to a “health emergency” by taking action to tackle “toxic air” in the capital.

A spokeswoman for the mayor said it was “disappointing that some backbench MPs are wasting parliamentary time playing politics”.

Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers

Ms Villiers, who represents Chipping Barnet in outer London, told the Commons: “In my 18 years as an MP … almost nothing has provoked such strong opposition as the Mayor of London’s plan to expand the Ultra Low Emission Zone.”

Watford mayor Peter Taylor has previously written to Mr Khan sharing locals’ concerns over “wrong and unfair” elements of the expansion, particularly areas where non-Londoners who travel in the capital don’t receive the same support.