Instead of fighting let ’s clear the air

The wafer thin 495 votes majority that saw the Conservatives retain Boris Johnson’s Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency in a byelection was widely attributed to the successful Tory candidate aligning himself with the anxieties felt by some locals around the perceived negative impact of the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) into outer London boroughs.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak detects a route to retaining power in the next general election by taking the side of those who regard traffic management schemes as a kerb on their rights or an unwelcome extra cost in straightened times. Sunak has announced a review of low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) and accused the Labour Party of being “anti-motorist”. This approach makes sense in the world of party politics, but ignores the fact that it was Johnson’s government that promoted (or at least enabled) measures that encourage active travel, reduce car dependency, improve road safety and reduce air pollution.

Party politics mean that the Opposition, which is banking on election wins in outer London, is now recalibrating its position on kerbing traffic-related emissions. The Labour leadership has been leaning on the Mayor of London to change tack on ULEZ, but Sadiq Khan appears not to be for turning.

Meanwhile, on the Conservative side there remain some voices committed to the net zero agenda who appear to unimpressed with the PM’s tactical ploys.

Hopefully, once election fever passes, we can have a sensible, civil and factbased conversation about air quality and traffic management.

Mark Moran Editor

15 NOVEMBER 2023