Surrey County Council spends £140K on failed Ulez court challenge

A council spent £140,000 on a failed court challenge to the expansion of London's ultra-low emission zone (Ulez), it has been revealed.

From 29 August, the Ulez was expanded to cover the whole of London, bordering several areas of Surrey and Kent.

Surrey County Council (SCC) launched a legal challenge to the expansion, taking it to the High Court.

But a ruling in July determined there was no legal impediment to the expansion.

Drivers of the most polluting vehicles must pay £12.50 a day to drive into the zone.

Objecting to the expansion, SCC together with the London boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Harrow and Hillingdon, called for a scrappage scheme to be extended to Surrey residents, and for a delay in the date of the expansion.

Speaking at the time of the High Court's decision, SCC leader Tim Oliver said while the council respected the ruling, it was "incredibly disappointing".

"This has always been about protecting Surrey residents, many of whom will now be significantly socially and financially impacted by the mayor's decision as they go about essential, everyday journeys, without any mitigation in place to minimise this," he said.

Surrey County Council has confirmed its total costs for the challenge come to £139,528.20.

This figure includes a £100,000 contribution to TfL costs and a £39,528.20 contribution to the five councils' total costs.

TfL's costs will be split between the five councils which brought the challenge.

Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].