Sadiq Khan must “reconsider” his plan to expand the capital’s ULEZ into Hertfordshire, a local council has said.

At a Hertsmere Borough Council meeting on Wednesday, January 25, politicians agreed to tell the Mayor of London a plan to charge drivers who use the most polluting vehicles will harm Hertfordshire drivers.

They said the plan to expand ULEZ – or Ultra Low Emission Zone – charging would particularly harm Potters Bar motorists after the town’s only bus link to Barnet – three miles away – was scrapped in April 2022.

The existing zone covers the area between the North Circular and South Circular roads, with drivers of the most polluting vehicles faced with a £12.50 daily charge.

But from August 29 this year, Transport for London will begin charging drivers on roads throughout Greater London – including the M1, A1 and A41 south of the Hertfordshire border.

Council leader councillor Morris Bright (Con, Elstree) said: “It may be the case the ULEZ is going to be forced through – and if it is, we are going to make sure it is with as much noise from residents and councillors of this borough.”

Cross-party councillors backed proposals for the council to call on Sadiq Khan to restore a bus link between Potters Bar and Barnet before ULEZ expands.

But leader of the Labour group Councillor Jeremy Newmark (Borehamwood Cowley Hill) said although he supported the bus calls, there was no cause to scrap the ULEZ expansion.

“Concerns about the ULEZ are real, but delivering them through the prism of electoral politics will do nothing for local people,” said Cllr Newmark.

Watford Observer: The ULEZ expansion would hit drivers in Hertfordshire crossing into London.The ULEZ expansion would hit drivers in Hertfordshire crossing into London. (Image: Will Durrant/ LDRS)

“Yes, we need to take residents’ concerns to the Mayor, TfL and City Hall, but we don’t need a ridiculous motion calling for the entire ULEZ to be scrapped.”

In a November 2022 statement, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan (Lab) said: “The latest evidence shows that air pollution is making us sick from cradle to grave.

“Londoners are developing life-changing illnesses, such as cancer, lung disease, dementia and asthma.

“And it’s especially dangerous for children due to the long-lasting impact on their health and life chances, with kids in our city growing up with stunted lungs.

“The ULEZ so far has been transformational, reducing harmful pollution levels by almost a half in central London.

“But there is still far too much toxic air pollution permanently damaging the health of young Londoners and leading to thousands of early deaths every year, with the greatest number of deaths in the outer London boroughs.

“Expanding the ULEZ London-wide will mean five million more people will be able to breathe cleaner air and live healthier lives.”