A woman who is her parents’ only carer fears she will not be able to look after them when the ULEZ expansion comes in.

Linda Ellis from Bushey visits her parents, who are in their late 80s and live in Edgware, at least once a day, but fears the £12.50 daily charge will cut her off due to her diesel car not being exempt.

The zone will cover all of London from August 2023 and force many Hertfordshire motorists with older or diesel cars to pay for each visit.

Ms Ellis, who is also a full-time carer for her husband who has MS, said: “I am going to be hit by the charges. I can’t walk because I need to do shopping for my parents.

Read More

“My biggest fear is that I will not be able to help them.

“They are unable to leave their home and only do so when I take them for a hospital appointment.”

While Ms Ellis, 55, said she understands the importance of the ULEZ expansion to help boost air quality, she does not believe it is a fair proposal for everybody.

She said: “I can’t make my parents move and I can’t afford a new car and my husband’s wheelchair only fits in my car.”

Watford Observer: Ms Ellis' husband has MS and needs a wheelchair. She says it will only fit in her car.Ms Ellis' husband has MS and needs a wheelchair. She says it will only fit in her car. (Image: Linda Ellis)

The mother-of-two added: “My parents rely on me all the time, they do not have anyone else to ask. I’m their free of charge carer.

“I get a carer’s allowance for looking after my husband, but that is not enough to buy a new car.

“Unless I win the lottery, I will not be able to afford a new car.”

The Watford Observer informed the Mayor of London’s Office of Ms Ellis’ situation and that she lives in Hertfordshire.  

A spokesperson for Sadiq Khan said the decision to expand ULEZ was to improve the capital’s air quality.

They added that people should check if they need to pay by checking the TfL’s vehicle checker and that Londoners will have access to a car scrappage scheme.

“The mayor continues to call on the government to provide a national scrappage scheme,” they added.

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

To receive breaking news alerts or newsletters sign up here.