Sutton Council says it will block Transport for London from installing ULEZ cameras in the South London borough.

The authority said it will not give TfL access to expand the Ultra Low Emission Zone, which charges some drivers £12.50 a day to drive on the capital’s roads.

The council claims the scheme, which is set to cover the whole of London from August, is unfair on the people of Sutton.

It will see drivers of the most polluting cars charged £12.50 a day to use their vehicles with the aim of reducing pollution and congestion across London.

Sutton doesn’t have any London Underground or Overground services. Locals have to rely on National Rail trains, buses and their cars to get around.

In a statement, Sutton Liberal Democrats, said: “We are concerned that the costs will be shouldered by people already struggling to get by in a difficult time, including small business owners and key workers.

“Liberal Democrats want to see action on air pollution. We have been clear that ULEZ can only work for Sutton if it is fair to residents.”

The local party wants to see TfL introduce a more far-reaching scrappage scheme, more time for people to change to compliant vehicles and new buses and trams for Sutton.

The council claims it will not sign an agreement with TfL that’s needed for it to install ULEZ cameras on Sutton’s roads.

The statement continued: “We are taking this step to send a strong signal to the Mayor that he must start listening to local people.

"Though the Mayor has the right to overrule us, and may attempt to force this unpopular decision on the residents of Sutton, we are clear that would be the wrong thing to do.

Watford Observer: Expansion mapExpansion map (Image: TfL)

“The position of Sutton Liberal Democrats and the council could not be clearer.

"We will continue to stand up for Sutton and fight for what is right by local residents and businesses.”

TfL only owns around five per cent of the capital’s road network, the majority is owned by local councils.

For the body to install the 2,750 cameras needed for the expanded ULEZ, individual boroughs will need to give permission for them to be installed

Earlier this month, deputy mayor for transport, Seb Dance, told MyLondon: “The discussions we’re having at the moment are based on what we think boroughs are prepared to do at the moment, and what we might need to do in the event that boroughs don’t want to cooperate.

“I mean there are powers that we have but we don’t want to use them. Ultimately, it’s better for everyone if boroughs cooperate with us, as the vast majority are.”