The Liberal Democrats have again called on Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan to rethink his ULEZ Scrappage Scheme ahead of his planned expansion of the ultra low emission zone on August 29th during Mayor’s questions today.

The Liberal Democrats have argued that the Mayor’s scrappage scheme, which is meant to assist those in outer London scrap or retrofit their uncompliant vehicles, does not go far enough.

The Liberal Democrats have previously called for a scrappage scheme double the size of the Mayor’s scheme and open to everyone, a move that was backed by Conservative and Green Party London Assembly Members, but voted down by Labour politicians.

Liberal Democrat Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon also called on the Mayor to introduce an amnesty period during which drivers not complying with ULEZ regulations will be sent warning letters rather than fines for the first few weeks.

Commenting Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member & Transport Spokesperson Caroline Pidgeon AM said:

“Only a quarter of the Mayor’s scrappage scheme funds have been allocated despite the ULEZ expansion only being a few weeks away.

“This is because the scheme doesn’t go far enough. The amount of support being offered to people isn’t enough to make a significant difference, especially since the price of ULEZ-compliant cars has increased since announcing the expansion.

“Similarly, despite an ‘expansion’ of the scheme by the Mayor, many businesses are still falling through the cracks of the system.

“I’ve been contacted by a resident who is in a simple partnership with his wife. He, therefore, isn’t registered with Companies House and doesn’t earn enough to pay VAT. He cannot apply as a sole trader or as a micro-business.

“These are the sort of Londoners who should be able to access help. Our plans would make the scheme open to all Londoners rather than only certain groups.

“With August the 29th fast approaching, the Mayor should also be looking at an initial amnesty period where people are sent warnings rather than fines.

“I will continue to push the Mayor to help Londoners who are struggling in this Cost-of-Living Crisis and to adopt Liberal Democrat plans to double the scrappage scheme to help all Outer Londoners deal with his ULEZ expansion.”