Dartford MP Gareth Johnson has condemned the expansion of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone to Dartford which will be enforced from today, Tuesday 29th August.  

Any non-ULEZ compliant vehicles entering Greater London will be charged £12.50 each day. Residents must pay the charge by midnight on the third day following their journey or face further penalties.

Mr Johnson said: “the ULEZ scheme is expanding across the whole of Greater London. This is a moment I had hoped would not come. ULEZ will impact one in seven drivers and financially penalise hard-working families with a £12.50 daily charge and up to £4,500 a year per vehicle for Dartfordians just driving up the road.”

Over 30,000 people signed a local petition calling for the Mayor to reverse the scheme, which was set up by Gareth Johnson MP and local Conservatives.

Mr Johnson added: “Dartfordians have been ignored by Sadiq Khan and the Labour Party. For two years it has had the backing of the Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer.

“We know this has nothing to do with air pollution and everything to do with taxing those who can least afford to purchase a ULEZ compliant vehicle. 

“This will not be the end to the expansion. The hundreds of millions the Mayor has invested in cameras will not be funded from the current number of vehicles expected to continue to operate in London. The Mayor of London has the authority to change the criteria of what is a 'ULEZ compliant' vehicle. 

“The Government cannot force the Mayor to stop ULEZ. Transport policy for London is devolved to the Mayor of London. The only person who can end this disastrous expansion is Sadiq Khan.

“Whilst the Government cannot legally challenge this expansion, we must continue to defend the rights of motorists, where driving for work and getting on with life is a necessity not a luxury.”