CONCERNS have been raised by Slough Borough Council over the Mayor of London’s plans to expand the controversial ultra low emission zone (ULEZ).

London Mayor Sadiq Khan is planning to extend the vehicle pollution measure ULEZ and congestion charge to all London boroughs, including those that boarder Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.

The aim of this proposal, which currently covers 14 central London boroughs, is to improve air quality by reducing the number of vehicles in the city that do not meet emission standards.

Vehicles that do not meet the emission standards face a daily charge of £12.50 when they enter the ULEZ.

READ MORE: Slough named one of the worst places to live in England

Concerns were raised that this move would impact those on low income who can’t afford the fee and the swap to cleaner vehicles.

Neighbouring local authorities outside London have also expressed concerns that this move could impact their local road networks.

A Slough Borough Council spokesperson said it has raised concerns about the impact of the expanded ULEZ and stated it wishes for the wider benefits of sustainable transport to be invested in the town to balance the expected impacts on major transport links to and from London.

The spokesperson also said the council has not decided if it objects to or supports ULEZ signs being erected. A Transport for London [TfL] spokesperson said legislation allows them to have the final say on the placement of signs but only as a ‘last resort’.

READ MORE: Bucks Council criticises Greater London ULEZ expansion plan

Buckinghamshire Council’s lead member for transport Steven Broadbent urged the London Mayor to scrap the ULEZ expansion, fearing vehicles could be redirected onto their roads and add more pressure just to avoid the charge.

He wrote: “Buckinghamshire residents are being expected to absorb the adverse impacts of the scheme without any financial support or assistance from TfL. This is unacceptable.”

TfL’s Director of Strategy and Policy Christina Calderato said: “London-wide ULEZ is vital in tackling the triple threats of air pollution, the climate emergency and congestion, and will ensure millions more people can breathe cleaner air.

“Thousands die prematurely each year as a result of toxic pollution and it causes children to grow up with stunted lungs and increases the risk of dementia in older people.

“Those living outside the London boundary will also benefit from cleaner air, as drivers outside the capital shift to more environmentally friendly vehicles that meet the ULEZ standards.

“Funding for the scrappage scheme is limited, so it is aimed at Londoners who need it the most. The capital has not received funding for a scrappage scheme from the government like other UK cities.”