Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Ultra Low Emission Zones

Tuesday 21 March 2023 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • Ministerial responsibility for transport and air quality in Greater London is devolved to the Mayor of London and Transport for London.
  • The Prime Minister advised the Mayor of London to listen to commuters, families, and small businesses regarding the ULEZ expansion.
  • The Prime Minister referred to the ULEZ expansion as a tax imposed by the Mayor of London.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 David Simmonds Con Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
Economy Transport Environment
Context

The Department is queried on the economic impact of Ultra Low Emission Zones, specifically in Greater London.

Question

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the economic impact of ultra low emission zones.

Answer from John Glen

Responsibility for transport and air quality within Greater London is devolved to the Mayor of London and Transport for London via the Greater London Authority Act 1999. It is for the Mayor to assess the economic impact of the proposed expansion of the ULEZ, and to consult properly to ensure that it is not just a tax on the poorest motorists.

Not addressed: The question was about the department's assessment but instead shifted responsibility to the Mayor of London.

How: Devolving Responsibility

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Q2 David Simmonds Con Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
Economy Transport
Context

Small business owners and residents concerned about the lack of robust process in assessing the economic impact of the proposed ULEZ expansion.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend consider commissioning the Treasury's own independent assessment of the impact of the ULEZ, so that my constituents and local business owners can really understand how it will affect them?

Answer from John Glen

As the Prime Minister said just last week, “the Mayor of London should listen to the voices of commuters, families”—including many of my hon. Friend's constituents—“and small businesses as he inflicts his…tax on them.”—[Official Report, 15 March 2023; Vol. 729, c. 832.] As the House has just heard, our Budget last week supported hard-pressed motorists by cancelling the planned increase of about 11p in fuel duty, saving drivers about £5 billion this year.

Not addressed: Shifted focus to a recent budget decision regarding fuel duty instead of addressing the ULEZ assessment request.

How: Mentioning Unrelated Policy Actions, Criticising Mayor'S Approach

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