Andrew Rosindell M.P. has written to the Transport Secretary, the Rt Hon. Mark Harper M.P., calling on his Department to intervene on the matter of the expansion of the U.L.E.Z.
Mr Rosindell has been a vocal opponent to the Mayor's plans since the outset. If Havering is to be ignored, then we must be given the right to determine the future of the governance of the Borough.
In his letter, Andrew Rosindell M.P. stated thus:
"Since the announcement of the U.L.E.Z. expansion in late November 2022, my inbox has been continuously inundated with angry and distressed messages from the Romford constituency, highlighting the enormous cost that the scheme will have on their daily lives.
Whilst car ownership may not be as critical amongst the inner areas of London, the absence of an Underground tube station in Romford means that the necessity of vehicle tenure must be recognised. Many in outer greater London have little option other than to use their cars for travel.
Moreover, Romford’s long-standing connection to the Essex region will take a massive financial hit. Small businesses across wider Essex that rely on the major population hub of Romford will bear a significant cost. Citizens based within the expanded U.L.E.Z. zone will now have no choice but to pay a £12.50 fee, just to reach the greater Essex region.
It is simply outrageous that the Mayor can spend in excess of £250m on cameras, signs and infrastructure for the U.L.E.Z. expansion while millions struggle with the rising cost-of-living. The timing of this outrageous scheme could not be worse.
Furthermore, this policy will fail to make a difference in the overall emission levels of the greater London area. Even the Mayor’s own impact assessment fails to demonstrate a significant improvement in air quality because of the proposed expansion."
