Sadiq Khan’s controversial ULEZ expansion plan could be blocked by Downing Street in what would be historic first veto of a London mayor by the government
- Sadiq Khan’s plans to expand the ULEZ could be blocked by the government
- The mayor of London wants to enlarge the zone to all 32 of the city’s boroughs
Sadiq Khan‘s controversial move to expand London‘s ultra-low emissions zone (ULEZ) could be blocked by Downing Street under new plans.
Civil servants are reportedly considering whether Mr Khan’s move to enlarge the zone overreaches his authority as mayor of London.
The ULEZ charges drivers penalties for vehicles which fail to meet emission standards at a rate of £12.50 a day.
Under plans put forward by Mr Khan, the ULEZ would be expanded from the centre of London to include all of the city’s 32 boroughs.
However, the Greater London Authority (GLA) Act of 1999 gives the government the power to veto legislation put forward by the mayor which are ‘inconsistent’ with nationwide transport policies.
Under plans put forward by Sadiq Khan, the ULEZ would be expanded from the centre of London to include all of the city’s 32 boroughs
This also applies if plans in place in London would have a ‘detrimental’ effect elsewhere.
Government officials are now considering whether section 143 of the act, which provides the power for a veto, could be used for the first time, The Telegraph reported.
The mayor could reportedly be investigated by an internal City Hall watchdog.
The GLA monitoring officer is carrying out an ‘initial assessment’ of a complaint about the Mayor’s conduct.
Local authorities in London and the home counties have attacked Mr Khan’s plans in recent weeks.
Paul Scully, Minister for London, argued the plans would impact many people who do not live in London.
Rishi Sunak’s government could block the plans by vetoing the mayor of London for the first time
He said: ‘There are various avenues to look at in the GLA Act. It says the Government can step in and veto anything that is in contravention to the national strategy.
‘Does the Ulez expansion affect people in other parts of the country? You can make the argument that it does.
‘It affects a whole load of people in Surrey, Kent and Hertfordshire who didn’t get a say on it. It is taxation without representation.’
Four Labour MPs have also criticised the plan, despite previous support from leader Keir Starmer.
Meanwhile, four London boroughs are said to be considering legal action over the move.
