Watford's MP has said that he is "deeply disappointed" after the High Court ruled in favour of the expansion of London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

Yesterday morning (Friday, July 28), a group of five Conservative-led councils lost a High Court challenge against plans to expand the capital's ULEZ.

The zone is now set to expand to all London Boroughs next month (August 2023), with a charge of £12.50 a day to drive a vehicle that is not exempt in the zone. 

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Taking to social media yesterday evening, Dean Russell MP gave his views on the expansion.

He said: "Like many, I am deeply disappointed that the High Court ruled in favour of the expansion of ULEZ.

"The five councils who brought the judicial review were right to stand up for their residents and I support Hertfordshire County Council's decision to refuse for the ULEZ cameras and signs to be put up in the county.

Watford Observer: Dean Russell MP has described himself as deeply disappointed.Dean Russell MP has described himself as deeply disappointed.

"Outer London said overwhelming 'no' in the public consultation and I have fought the expanded proposal at every opportunity for the past two years.

"To expand the Mayor’s revenue generation scheme would punish working people who cannot hold him to account at the ballot box.

"I am disappointed that Labour, Green and Liberal Democrat London Assembly members backed this unfair expansion, which is nothing more than a raid on household budgets."

Watford Observer: Sadiq Khan has praised the decision.Sadiq Khan has praised the decision. (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

In a statement, the Labour mayor of London Sadiq Khan praised the High Court's decision.

He commented: "This landmark decision is good news as it means (that) we can proceed with cleaning up the air in outer London on August 29.

"The decision to expand the ULEZ is was very difficult and not something I took lightly, and I continue to do everything possible to address any concerns Londoners may have.

                                                                                            

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"The ULEZ has already reduced toxic nitrogen dioxide air pollution by nearly half in central London, and a fifth in inner London.

"The coming expansion will see five million more Londoners being able to breathe cleaner air."

Vehicles can be checked online at the TfL website, to see whether they are exempt from the ULEZ charges.