Sadiq Khan launches ULEZ scrappage scheme ahead of August zone expansion

Sadiq Khan's controversial plans to extend London's Ultra Low Emission Zone took a massive step closer with the launch of a new £110million scrappage scheme. New ULEZ scrappage scheme launched: Only private car drivers living in London who receive low-income and disability benefits can apply for £2,000 grant The scheme, which opens to online applications today, is the next stepping stone towards the controversial 29 August ULEZ extension, which will see the emissions charging zone extended across all 32 boroughs in the capital. Mayor Sadiq Khan said that the rising cost of living had been a 'key consideration' before pressing ahead to expand the ULEZ but added 'the health of Londoners must come first' Only owners of non-compliant private cars who live in one of the 32 London boroughs can apply to the scheme to get £2,000 when they scrap their motors He went on: 'We need to get the most highly polluting vehicles off our roads, which are damaging the health of all Londoners, including drivers. The 'Great ULEZ Rebellion' is growing The Mayor's Office says that around 94 per cent of vehicles seen driving in inner and central London, and 85 per cent of vehicles seen driving in outer London meet ULEZ standards, meaning the vast majority of drivers will not need to pay the £12.50 daily charge when the zone extends later this year. Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Chair of Richmond Council’s Transport and Air Quality Committee, said: 'We hope that the Mayor of London will consider a six-to-12 month delay and consider extending the scrappage scheme to help the much greater number of people who rely on their vehicles and simply cannot afford to replace them without a significant transition period and financial support.'