Dick and Dom speak out against Sadiq Khan's ULEZ expansion

BBC Children's TV presenters Dick and Dom (Richard McCourt and Dominic Wood) have spoken out against the Mayor of London Sadiq Khans' plans to expand the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to cover all of Greater London.

Speaking out against the expansion plans, the pair used their shared Twitter account to write: "A question about the ULEZ expansion.

"What is an old lady on state pension with a non-compliant car supposed to do, or trade with a work van who can afford to change, or a single mum who can't make ends meet due to energy and food increase?!? How can they just ‘buy a new car’?"

Transport for London spotted the Tweet and replied to the comedic duo, writing: "9 out of 10 cars seen driving in outer London are already ULEZ compliant - but for Londoners on low incomes, disabled Londoners and small businesses we have a £110m scrappage scheme that gives out grants up to £7.5k to buy a greener vehicle."

In response, Dick and Dom replied with a simple "Thanks" and thumbs up emoji.

A question about the ULEZ expansion. What is an old lady on state pension with a non compliant car supposed to do, or trade with a work van who can afford to change, or a single mum who can't make ends meet due to energy and food increase?!? How can they just ‘buy a new car’?

The comedic duo best known for Dick and Dom in da Bungalow were quick to get a mass response from followers and those who are unsure of the expansion.

One Londoner wrote: "Thanks for speaking up for us, guys. I'm disabled, not entitled to a mobility car but I need one for me and disabled daughter. Mine cost me £3k, all my savings. I have no more savings, let alone enough to buy a new car."

Whilst another wrote: "Well I never thought I'd consider Dick and Dom more suitable to handle the running of London than Sadiq Khan!"

The pair also retweeted one Twitter user's response: "As if the cameras will become obsolete... Predictions are TFL will make approx £800k A DAY from ulez. Air in outer London and home counties is consistently good. It's about money not air."

The pair have since not shared any more thoughts on the ULEZ expansion.

According to TfL, they share that the ULEZ is expanding to "help clear London's air and improve health."

It comes as research has shown that the poor air quality in London is "mainly caused by polluting vehicles."

9 out of 10 cars seen driving in outer London are already ULEZ compliant - but for Londoners on low incomes, disabled Londoners and small businesses we have a £110m scrappage scheme that gives out grants up to £7.5k to buy a greener vehicle. https://t.co/PIL3rqIrOm

The TfL shared that the latest data from London Atmospheric Emissions Inventory showed that "improvements are being made".

However, they added that "road transport is the single biggest contributor of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter emissions in Greater London."

Further knowledge is that air pollution is leading to the development of cancer, asthma and lung disease and a higher risk of dementia in older people.

The ULEZ expansion is taking place on August 29, 2023, and will cover all of Greater London.

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