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Petition for Bexley and Bromley to rejoin Kent created over ULEZ charges

10:57, 27 February 2023

updated: 10:59, 27 February 2023

A petition has been created for two London boroughs to rejoin Kent due to incoming ULEZ charges.

People living in Bexley and Bromley are unhappy at plans to extend the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to motorists.

A petition for Bromley and Bexley to rejoin Kent due to concerns over the ULEZ charge has been created. Photo: PA
A petition for Bromley and Bexley to rejoin Kent due to concerns over the ULEZ charge has been created. Photo: PA

If approved, it would mean drivers of older, more polluting vehicles would have to fork out £12.50 a day.

Now, a petition has been set up after becoming annoyed and frustrated with the Greater London authority for "ignoring the community of the outer boroughs".

Only 59 people have signed the change.org petition since it was created three weeks ago.

Organiser Gary Powell slammed Sadiq Khan for the incoming charges.

He said: "The mayor is trying to enforce changes and taxes on Bexley and Bromley. Working class people driving older vehicles will be charged a tax of £12.50.

People with polluting cars in these areas will have to pay £12.50 a day
People with polluting cars in these areas will have to pay £12.50 a day

"It’s clear that the mayor of London hasn’t listened to the majority of Londoners and continues to pursue expansion of the ULEZ zone.

"As Bexley and Bromley don’t have the same transport services as other London boroughs perhaps they would be better leaving London and rejoining Kent as they were originally.

"Bexley, Kent and Bromley, Kent sounds so much better."

The London Borough of Bromley was created in 1965 out of the former Beckenham and Bromley Boroughs, Orpington and Penge Urban districts (UD_, and the Chislehurst and Sidcup UD.

Prior to 1965 these were all in Kent, including Bexley which was an ancient parish in the county.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has been accused of a "money grab" over the incoming charges. Photo: Victoria Jones/PA
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has been accused of a "money grab" over the incoming charges. Photo: Victoria Jones/PA

Some residents in Dartford will also be affected by the ULEZ charges and have shared their frustration, calling the scheme a "money grab".

Residents living in Bowmans Road are faced with the choice of turning left and onto Dartford Heath, or right and into Crayford, which forms part of Bexley.

Bryan Lydon, 52, has a 2014 diesel Hyundai which would fall foul of the new requirements should ULEZ be extended.

The 52-year-old said: "We are going to have to change our vehicle or incur considerable costs."

He agrees urgent action needs to be taken to address the climate crisis but believes people should be afforded more time, particularly in light of the cost of living crisis.

A Wilmington vicar has also said the charges will affect mourners attending the funerals of loved ones.

ULEZ is part of the London Mayor's “war on poisonous air” and tackling toxic fumes in and around the capital through the scheme.

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