Publication from Caroline Russell: Response to the Mayor's third ULEZ consultation

Consultation response: proposals for central London 2019 Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and emissions standard for particulate matter.

My detailed views on the current (Stage 3a[i]) consultation are set out below. These should be considered along with my comments on earlier ULEZ consultations (stage 1[ii] and 2[iii]).

In summary, Londoners need the Mayor to:

• Aim for all Londoners to breathe safe air within EU limits for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) by 2020 or sooner
• Consult on a London-wide Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) for all vehicles
• Base the diesel ULEZ standard on independent ‘real world driving’ emission tests
• Use World Health Organisation guidelines for the diesel ULEZ particulate matter standard
• Improve public transport, pedestrian and cycling provision, especially in outer London

A London-wide Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) applying to all vehicles

• Londoners need full compliance with air pollution limits for the whole of London, achieved as soon as possible, and by 2020 at the latest.
• All phases of the ULEZ should be implemented within this mayoral term of office. It is disappointing to see the inner London ULEZ (to north and south circular) planned for 2021.
• Londoners’ health should be protected with a London-wide ULEZ applying to all vehicles across the city not stopping short at the north and south circular. No Londoners should be left out.
• The Mayor should consult Londoners on the option of a London-wide Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) for all vehicles.
• This should be integrated with a road-pricing scheme, where charges are based on the time of day, distance travelled and level of vehicle emissions to reduce car use.

ULEZ standards to be based on real world driving emissions tests

• The Mayor’s ‘cleaner vehicles check’[i] scheme will verify ‘real-world driving emissions’ for new vehicles. It should be the basis for setting ULEZ standards.
• If diesel manufacturers fail to reduce real world driving emissions to legal limits, the Mayor should remove exemptions for these Euro 6 diesels. This will send a clear signal to the motor trade and their customers that non-compliant vehicles will no longer be tolerated.

Display ‘cigarette packet’ style warnings of exposure to nitrogen dioxide (N0₂) and particulate matter (PM_2.5)

• Consumers should have adequate information on the potential harm from more polluting vehicles before purchase. A ‘cigarette packet’ style warning should accompany the real world driving emissions test results for all new diesel vehicles when you publish them through your ‘cleaner vehicle check’ scheme.

Traffic reduction to be a priority

• The best way to clean up the air is to have less traffic in the first place. Measures are needed to reduce car use and enable a rapid transition for more journeys being made on foot, by bike and by public transport especially in outer London.