One year on from the ULEZ expansion to the edge of Bushey, motorists appear no less disgruntled over “ridiculous” charges.

For the past 12 months, drivers who have a vehicle that does not comply with minimum emissions standards have had to pay £12.50 to enter Greater London.

TfL says expanding the zone was “more effective than expected” despite fierce backlash when it was introduced at the end of August 2023. The Watford Observer caught up with some of those who raised concerns at the time to find out if they had changed their minds.

Support worker Tracy Metcalfe, used to regularly take young adults with additional needs for days out in London but now avoids going in more than two or three times a month, limiting the activities she can offer because she cannot afford a compliant vehicle.

The 55-year-old hopes the “absolutely disgusting” expansion is reversed, adding that she does not think it has had a major impact on air quality.

(Image: PA)

Many other residents agreed, with several complaining of being forced to buy new cars they struggled to afford, feeling that it was more to do with money than air quality, or highlighting the impact on tradespeople.

More than one mentioned struggling to see family in London because of the added cost.

Last year, David Bagon, from Radlett, told the Observer he was weighing up his options because he would not be able to pay every time he picks up his grandchildren in Mill Hill.

David Bagon with his non-compliant diesel 2013 Freelander.David Bagon with his non-compliant diesel 2013 Freelander. (Image: David Bagon)

The 79-year-old was considering selling his non-compliant diesel 2013 Freelander but has since found garages are not interested in part exchanges for a non-compliant vehicle.

When possible, his daughter now drives the kids out of the zone so he can pick them up but he is still forced to go in and pay the fee “once or twice a week”.

“I think it’s a bad idea,” Mr Bagon added. “Especially since, when I took the car for its MOT, they said that some petrol cars give out more pollution because your car is in such excellent condition.”

Another Watford driver, Kari Shah, says he had to pay a £800 fine after he briefly entered the zone near Bushey. He claims not to have seen any sign showing he had crossed the boundary and to have never received a letter until bailiffs were at the door.

The Hertfordshire Greater London border in the Bushey Heath area.The Hertfordshire Greater London border in the Bushey Heath area. (Image: Google Maps)

Mr Shah also had to leave a delivery job and find one that would not send him into London because of ULEZ.

He added: “It's a bit ridiculous considering the cost of living is going up."

TfL chief customer and strategy officer Alex Williams highlighted the impact of the scheme on tackling the "triple challenges" of air pollution, the climate emergency, and traffic congestion in London, where around 4,000 premature deaths are attributed to toxic air each year.

Read the ULEZ six month report here

Pollutants from cars and vans have reduced by 13 per cent, seven per cent lower than a scenario without the expansion.

“This is equivalent to removing 200,000 cars from the road for one year,” Mr Williams said.

“Any income generated from the scheme is being reinvested back into public transport, including improving bus routes in outer London.”