Rishi Sunak blasts Sadiq Khan’s plan to hit motorists with £12.50 extra charge for driving in London

RISHI Sunak today blasted Sadiq Khan for waging war on drivers by planning to turn all of London into an ultra low emissions zone.

Addressing the Commons at PMQs, Mr Sunak urged the Labour Mayor to back down from the policy, which comes into force on August 29.

It will see the ULEZ boundary extended from the North and South Circular Roads to the whole of Greater London.

Thousands of drivers who don’t comply with minimum emissions standards will be charged an “unfair” daily fee of £12.50 for entering the zone.

That’s separate from the £15 congestion charge, which must also be paid daily for vehicles travelling through the city centre.

The PM said: “Transport in London is devolved to the Labour Mayor of London. And it’s disappointing that the Mayor, backed by the Leader of the Opposition, is choosing not to listening not to listen to the public.”

A consultation conducted last year found 59% of respondents were opposed to expanding ULEZ.

But London Tories argue the number is actually higher – around 62% – and have accused Mr Khan of manipulating results by excluding responses organised by anti-ULEZ campaign groups.

Mr Khan insists he’s done nothing wrong.

And he argues the levy will improve air quality in London by discouraging motorists from driving dirty vehicles in the city.

Standing up for motorists in his London constituency, Tory MP David Simmonds told the Commons today: “Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner has a great many car dependent, older and disabled constituents, many of whom are horrified to read that the Mayor of London may have manipulated the outcome of his own consultation.”

Mr Simmonds also said the ULEZ expansion should be “paused” while matters are investigated.

Adding his fury to the mix, Tory MP Craig Mackinlay blasted: “Evidence is now very clear that the London Mayor’s sham consultation has suppressed 5,000 negative responses.

“This is true taxation without justification. It is a tax that is a fill-up against a failed Mayor’s budget.”

Responding to the MPs, Mr Sunak vowed to do all he can to persuade Mr Khan to stop the scheme.

“The Labour Mayor is imposing a tax on the public which does not want it,” he said.

“Expanding the zone is not something that communities want and I urge him to properly consider and respond to all these views and stop this unfair tax.”