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From climate change and natural disasters, from gas leaks to carbon emissions, politicians have never been so concerned about the environment before and talk of a more sustainable world has risen to the top of their agendas. Yet, becoming greener is easier said than done. Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, announced in 2013 a new plan to transform London – one of the most populated cities in the UK - into a more sustainable place. He promised to introduce the first Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in the world by 2020 – right in London!

The project would make sure all vehicles within the Congestion Charge Zone of London meet a lower emission standard (so they would have to be either zero or low emission vehicles) and the programme would be enforced 24/7. Not only is this beneficial for the environment by clearing the air but it would ensure the health of Londoners, particularly improving the health of the young, elders and those with weak lungs. As Mr Johnson stated in a speech at City Hall, “Creating the world's first big city Ultra Low Emission Zone has the potential to be a game changing moment in the quality of life of our great capital”. Boris Johnson will be mayor London until 2016 but he has made this project part of his wish list for his successors. London is renowned as the city of life and luxury, culture and historical beauties, yet it is also one of the worst cities in Europe when it comes to air pollution. The Environmental Organisation known as ClientEarth has expressed its concern and warns that London will be guilty of having “illegal levels of air pollution until 2025” and the current levels of air pollution in London are staggeringly worrying.

Believe it or not, London is going greener! The process is slow but steady and new structures have been implemented to help people be greener. We now have the possibility to use Boris Bikes to travel around London which is a cheap and fun way of getting around whilst also helping the environment and ideally decreasing the usage of cabs. Another great new sustainable means of transportation seen in London are the hybrid buses, which first emerged in the capital in 2006. Boris Johnson has made plans to have another 1,600 hybrid buses circulating in London and wishes to set up a £20million fund which would aid singular boroughs in London to fight against severely air-polluted hotspots.

Discussions about how to carry out such a large plan to improve the quality of air in London are ongoing. One of the main challenges of the Ultra Low Emission Zone is that low emission vehicles and sustainable technology both need to become more affordable.  Also, there have been mixed reactions to the project as people have criticised the initiative by stating that it is penalising drivers who are only trying to do the right thing. In fact in 2001 the government pushed for more people to use diesel* yet now, under current proposals, they are deciding whether to fine older diesel and petrol vehicles. If the proposal is agreed on, these vehicles would then have to face a ULEZ charge along with the congestion charge to travel into London.  However, if diesel and petrol vehicles meet certain standards – Euro 4 petrol and Euro 6 diesel – they may be exempt from these charges.

Despite criticism, the ULEZ has been welcomed by many. The chief executive of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), Gerry Keaney, has noted that “London has to clean up its act, and the Mayor’s proposals for an Ultra-Low Emission Zone by 2020 will make a massive contribution”. With the ever-evolving methods of technology and the increased awareness of environmental issues, we can be optimistic about having a cleaner and greener London.

*The UK is the only place in Europe in which diesel costs more than petrol!

Image: http://www.citytransport.info/Digi/P1030410a.jpg