ULEZ expansion has encountered what supporters might call “growing pains”. Critics would call them “problems of a half-baked policy”.
The controversial plan came into force on Tuesday and already there are warnings of nightshift workers potentially being charged twice. A blood donation charity – reliant on volunteers traversing the Herts-London border – also voiced fears that it could soon have too few people to operate properly.
Many readers would likely agree with the policy’s headline aims: to prevent unnecessary deaths caused by toxic air and help tackle climate change. But there is currently a feeling, particularly in the Home Counties, that it has been rammed through with little thought for the collateral damage.
Read more:
- ULEZ: What happens if you avoid paying the ULEZ charge?
- Hertfordshire County Council confirms ULEZ signs stance
So, what can be done? The obvious start is extending the scrappage scheme to Hertfordshire. It seems blatantly unfair not to help local people when so many work or have family in London. There is also a strong case for providing more aid or exemptions to cross-border charities. What good is cleaner air for people who then don’t survive other problems exacerbated by the ULEZ?
Hopefully common sense prevails. But ultimately, it will require London’s mayor not to ignore the plight of people who can’t vote for him.
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