A second request by the Mayor of London, requesting Bromley Council to sign a legal agreement to allow TfL to place its street signs and cameras on Bromley Council’s highways has been refused.
The latest news follows continued questions about the lawfulness of the proposed ULEZ expansion, with legal advice being gathered ahead of a possible Judicial Review.
Councillor Colin Smith, Leader of Bromley Council said, “There are many principles at stake here which go to the heart of local democracy. I know that residents will understand that we cannot disclose the nature of the legal discussions, but I thank them for the support they have shown and I am pleased to re-confirm Bromley’s absolute opposition to Mr Khan’s proposed expansion of ULEZ.”
Councillor Smith continued, “The reality is that Bromley already has amongst the very best air quality in London and the Mayor very well knows that from his own research. He also knows that pushing his scheme across the outer ‘London’ Boroughs will make next to zero difference in improving air quality as well.
“What we have discovered leads us to believe that what this is really all about is the unspoken intention to install a network of cameras across the entire capital, which provides the technology to then, suddenly, introduce a road price charging policy for all, very much including green and hybrid car drivers as well.
“Bromley Council is very, very clear, that whether people agree with that concept or not, there should, at the very least, be a proper debate on the subject first.
“Even at this late stage I would therefore respectfully urge the mayor to very carefully reconsider the results of his consultation, think about the impact of these measures on financially hard pressed families and small businesses and help us to avoid the disruption and upset this scheme will cause to care support networks and employment trends across outer London.
“There is still time to call a halt and reconsider this grossly unfair and socially regressive strategy when happier financial times return, if we really must.”
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For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Head of Public Affairs Officer, on 020 8461 7670 or email Andrew.Rogers@Bromley.gov.uk.