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Demonstration held in central London to protest against Ulez expansion

PA Media People during an anti-Ulez protest in Trafalgar Square, London.PA Media
Protesters gathered at Trafalgar Square in central London

Protesters gathered in Trafalgar Square to demand an end to London's ultra-low emission zone (Ulez).

Demonstrators wearing yellow high-vis jackets gathered along the road in central London and urged passing motorists to "honk if you hate Ulez".

Drivers of passing vehicles including cars, motorbikes, black cabs and buses obliged by beeping their horns.

The London mayor extended the zone to cover all London boroughs last August to improve air quality.

Vehicles used in the Ulez area that do not meet minimum emissions standards are liable for a £12.50 daily fee.

Figures released by Transport for London in October showed about 60,000 vehicle owners a day were paying the charge.

Much of the protesters' anger was directed towards Sadiq Khan.

Messages written on placards included "stop the toxic air lie", "Stop the Khanage", and "beware, you're on Khandid camera".

"Net zero is a war on humanity", another sign read.

PA Media Protestors holding signs at Ulez demonstrationPA Media
Mayor Sadiq Khan was a target of many of the placards

Protester Terry Burt, from Biggin Hill, said: "Normal people who need a vehicle to go to work can't afford to buy one."

The 69-year-old retiree was holding a placard featuring a picture of Mr Khan with "liar" written on his forehead.

PA Media Woman holding two No 2 Ulez number platesPA Media
Ulez expanded to include all London boroughs last summer

Mr Burt, who lives 500 metres from the edge of the zone, said he regularly stopped new Ulez infrastructure from being installed in his area by holding a protest.

"We just stand there and protest, and because we're protesting, under health and safety rules they can't install the cameras," he said.

"We resist it in every in every way."

Londoners with vehicles that fall foul of emission standards can claim up to £2,000 when their non-compliant vehicles are scrapped.

Speaking previously about the policy, Mr Khan said: "The decision to expand the Ulez London-wide was a difficult one, but necessary to save lives, protect children's lungs and help prevent asthma, dementia and other health issues.

"All the evidence shows that it's clean air zones like Ulez that are the game changer in a city like London."

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