Statement: Surrey County Council expresses disappointment and frustration at proposed expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone

Surrey County Council has written to the Mayor of London to express its ‘absolute dismay’ that Transport for London (TfL) is continuing with plans to expand the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) up to the boundary of Surrey without addressing the significant effects this would have on drivers in our county.

In a formal response to the ULEZ consultation in July 2022, the council cited strong concerns about the financial impact the expansion would have for a significant number of communities and businesses, particularly those in close proximity to the proposed ULEZ boundary in Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell, and Spelthorne.

A number of recommendations to help mitigate both the financial and potential environmental impacts of the expansion were proposed to the Mayor and TfL in this consultation response. These included extending the car scrappage scheme to Surrey residents, extending the Zone 6 Oyster Card, providing exemptions for key workers, people travelling to school and taxi drivers, funding for active travel/public transport, plus providing clear signage.

To date none of this has been recognised, let alone acted upon. TfL needs the county council’s agreement to put advanced ULEZ warning signs in Surrey. Until TfL constructively discuss mitigations that will help Surrey residents, the County Council will not engage with them or the Mayor over the practicalities of implementing the ULEZ around the London/Surrey border.