The expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) across London can go ahead after the High Court ruled it lawful.

Five Conservative-led councils had challenged the Labour mayor of London's plans to charge older, more polluting vehicles £12.50 a day from 29 August.

Commenting following the judgment of the High Court this morning, Friday (July 28) that the expansion of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone is lawful, councillor Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council said: "I am hugely disappointed in the ruling of the Court and stand by my previous comments on the expansion of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone.

"This is the wrong scheme at the wrong time and will do nothing but penalise some of the lowest earners in society who need their older vehicles to travel to work, see friends and care for relatives."

"The Mayor needs to go back to the drawing board with these proposals and produce a scheme that works for everyone, not just those living inside the M25 particularly as many Hertfordshire residents who will be impacted by the ULEZ continue to see their incomes squeezed by the rising cost of living."

What is Ulez?

A £12.50 daily charge applies for driving in the Ultra Low Emission Zone, commonly referred to as Ulez, if the vehicle doesn't meet certain emission standards.

Boris Johnson decided to introduce it when he was the Mayor of London. It then came into effect in April 2019. By this time, Labour's Sadiq Khan had become Mayor.

Initially it covered the same central area as the Congestion Zone, before widening out to the North and South Circular roads in 2021.

In November 2022, a further expansion to cover all London boroughs was confirmed. This is due to start on 29 August 2023.

Why is Ulez controversial?

The latest expansion of Ulez has proved divisive. Clean air campaigners support it. 

However, some residents, businesses and politicians have expressed serious concerns. They include the financial impact during a cost of living squeeze, and the nine month-long notice period.

Some people affected say the scrappage scheme won't help them. The cost of second-hand Ulez-compliant cars has also risen.

Five Conservative-run councils launched legal action over the decision to expand Ulez, although the High Court dismissed their challenge. There have also been public protests.

The mayor has defended the plan, arguing it is necessary to help prevent health conditions related to air pollution and even excess deaths. Preparations such as installing cameras have continued.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan told the BBC: "This landmark decision is good news as it means we can proceed with cleaning up the air in outer London."