Sadiq Khan suggests that the Home Counties establish their own programs to assist individuals in managing the expanded ultra-low emission zone (Ulez).
The Mayor of London, affiliated with the Labour Party, has now made Transport for London’s (TfL) scrappage scheme accessible to London residents with non-compliant vehicles.
There is currently no support available for individuals who reside outside of London but frequently commute to the city for work or appointments.
The county councils of Kent and Surrey believe that the scheme should be expanded to cover all areas.
On Thursday, Mr Khan extended the scrappage scheme, enabling individuals to exchange their vehicles for grants up to £2,000 for cars and £1,000 for motorcycles.
Mr Khan addressed the counties surrounding London and commented, “You should be providing assistance to your residents, just as Merton Council and others have been doing.”
Merton, a Labour-controlled borough in south-west London, recently announced the launch of its own £1 million scrappage scheme, allowing residents to apply for £1,000 grants regardless of whether they also applied for TfL’s scheme.
Among the counties neighbouring London, only one has granted permission for City Hall to erect Ulez signs, warning motorists entering the zone.
The six councils refusing to display the signage are all governed by the Conservative Party.
Surrey County Council, along with the Tory-controlled London boroughs of Bromley, Bexley, Harrow, and Hillingdon, failed to have the High Court declare the Ulez expansion unlawful.
When speaking on Friday, Mr Khan expressed disappointment that over a million pounds had been wasted on court fees and lawyers, suggesting that the funds should have been used to support residents.
“What I would say to those county councils outside London is two-fold – first, you should be supporting your residents, just as Merton Council and others have been doing.
“Secondly, the government is your government, and they belong to your party. Why don’t you join me on a cross-party basis to lobby this government for additional scrappage funding?”
In response, Matt Furniss, Surrey’s cabinet member for transport, infrastructure, and growth, stated that the mayor has never addressed their concerns.
“We continue to urge the mayor and TfL to do what is right and expand the scrappage scheme outside of London to cater to those impacted, provide exemptions for key workers, and enhance bus routes between Surrey and London,” he said.
Roger Gough, the leader of Kent County Council, commented that the extension of the scrappage scheme reinforces the
