ULEZ TfL: Government has ‘no powers’ to force counties to allow Sadiq Khan to put up signs

The stalemate between Sadiq Khan and the home counties over his Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion looks set to continue, as the government confirms it cannot force councils to install road signs on their land.

As revealed by LondonWorld, just one of the local authorities bordering the capital, Slough Borough Council, has agreed to permit Transport for London (TfL) to put up signs warning motorists they are entering the ULEZ.

The ULEZ is due to expand on August 29, after which date all drivers of non-compliant vehicles within greater London will be liable to pay a £12.50 daily charge.

The mayor says the extension is necessary to clean up London’s air, though critics warn of the impacts during a cost-of-living crisis.

While TfL is able to install signage and cameras within greater London, it requires permission from the local authorities surrounding the capital to venture into their jurisdiction.

When asked whether they are giving TfL permission, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Essex, Kent, Thurrock and Buckinghamshire all said they have not done so.

A spokesperson for the Department for Transport (DfT) said the department does not have the power to direct councils to place signage, meaning it is down to the authorities as to whether infrastructure notifying drivers of the ULEZ is installed outside greater London.

Their refusal is likely to impact motorists who are caught unawares of the zone, the RAC has said, which has called on the councils and the mayor to “work together”.

A spokesperson for the RAC told LondonWorld: “While it might appear valiant for councils to stand up to the London mayor in this way, it’s likely to mean drivers don’t get any advanced warning of where the new ULEZ boundary begins. They will then end up having to pay the charge rather than having a chance to avoid the area in the first place.

“As the High Court has ruled that the ULEZ expansion can go ahead, it’s probably time for councils and the mayor to work together rather than against one another.”

A spokesperson for Mr Khan previously said TfL and City Hall are “working closely and collaboratively with the local authorities concerned to install the infrastructure needed”.

The mayor’s ULEZ expansion recently received a major boost, when it was given the green light to proceed in a High Court judgement.

However, Mr Khan has come under increased pressure over the scheme following the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election, which the Conservatives held seemingly in-part due to the extension.

The mayor has since said he is in “listening mode” as to how he can further support Londoners who may be impacted by the charge.

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