Hertfordshire will block any Ulez signage or cameras within its boundaries and consider legal action, its council leader has said.

In a letter to London mayor Sadiq Khan, published to the Hertfordshire County Council website today (July 21), council leader Cllr Richard Roberts outlined the county’s position.

“Based on your current proposals” he said, the county council will not permit any ULEZ signage or enforcement cameras to be located within its boundary.

He added that it will ask that the scrappage scheme be extended to surrounding counties if the extension goes ahead and will consider its options in relation to legal action pending the outcome of the ongoing judicial review.

Cllr Roberts said: “I would personally ask that you pause the expansion of the zone and look to redraw the zone boundary to align with outer London public transport hubs."

Watford Observer: Cllr Richard RobertsCllr Richard Roberts

He ended the letter saying “we appreciate your overarching aim to improve air quality" and extended an offer for the mayor to meet the council and discuss achieving it.

The communication (available in full here) follows a motion relating to the plan considered at full council on July 18.

Watford MP Dean Russell, who also signed a letter opposing the plan with fellow MPs, added: "I have opposed the ULEZ plans to expand the zone to the borders of Hertfordshire from day one."

"Many residents and businesses in our county are facing financial challenges, and the proposed expansion would place an additional burden on many people."

"I urge you and Transport for London to consider the impact of these measures on our residents."

Mr Khan’s office has previously said that the decision to expand the zone “was not an easy one, but necessary to tackle toxic air pollution and the climate crisis”.

Watford Observer: Sadiq Khan has faced strong opposition over the expansion planSadiq Khan has faced strong opposition over the expansion plan (Image: PA)

In a statement earlier in the year a spokesperson for the mayor said: “With around 4,000 Londoners dying prematurely each year due to air pollution, there is no time for inaction and it’s people in outer London, particularly the poorest households, who suffer the most from the damaging health effects.

“Nine out of 10 cars in outer London are already Ulez compliant. For those with the most polluting vehicles the mayor has launched his £110 million vehicle scrappage scheme.”