Sadiq Khan’s Ulez policy looks set to adversely impact a staggering number of Londoners, new data has revealed.
The Mayor of London will expand areas covered by the so-called Ultra Low Emission Zone to impact the whole of Greater London.
City Hall has insisted the move will deliver better air quality and improve health standards across the capital.
However, new data has suggested that a large number of hard-working Britons could fall foul of the change.
Almost half of vans registered in outer London do not comply with Ulez, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has claimed.
The data revealed that 49 per cent of light goods vehicles registered to addresses in outer London are not compliant with Khan’s strict rules.
However, City Hall dismissed the new data and suggested cameras which record vehicles indicated that 80 per cent of vans are compliant on an average day.
Transport for London (TFL) commissioner Andy Lord also defended the use of camera data to gauge compliance.
He said: “We are seeing the volume of vans increasing which are compliant.
“We have also seen a good number of applications for van owners and small businesses.
“I expect that compliance to increase and the number which aren’t compliant to reduce.
“The scheme is really delivering what it was designed to do.”
Matt Jaffa from the Federation of Small Businesses,warned Khan needed to give small firms a “year’s grace” from the change to let them adapt to this “difficult time”.
He added: “We were shocked. The figures are worrying and unexpected.
“What we need to see now is the mayor supporting small businesses.”
Ulez, which has been criticised by Conservatives in City Hall, will be expanded on August 29.
If a vehicle does not meet Khan’s emissions standards then the driver could face a daily charge of £12.50.
Londoners receiving certain low-income or disability benefits can apply to the Mayor’s £110 million scrappage scheme.
The scheme is also available to sole traders and businesses with fewer than 10 members of staff.
Up to £5,000 is available to scrap a van and £7,500 is being offered if it is traded in for an electric vehicle.
There is also up to £5,000 available if it is possible to retrofit your van.
Read More: Sadiq Khan’s Ulez policy to cripple hard-working Britons
