Dominic Browne 14 August 2023

Labour U-turns on support for clean air zones

Labour U-turns on support for clean air zones image
Image: Henry Franklin / Shutterstock.com.

Labour has scrapped its public support for ULEZ-style clean air zones across the country.

Following the party's national policy forum last month, it has removed a commitment to clean air zones from its draft policy plans, the Telegraph has reported.

The original draft document stated: 'Labour supports the principle of clean air zones and recognises the huge damage to human health caused by air pollution and the damage to our climate caused by carbon emissions from polluting vehicles.

'However, they must be phased in carefully, mindful of the impacts on small businesses and low-paid workers, and should be accompanied with a just transition plan to enable people to switch affordably to low-emission vehicles.'

The statement has been cut from the latest version of its national policy programme.

A Labour source reportedly told The Sunday Telegraph: 'Clean-air zones are Conservative government policy. The Tories are the ones who have pushed councils to introduce them. Labour is not in favour of extra burdens on drivers during a Tory-made cost of living crisis.'

To continue reading visit Highways.

If this article was of interest, then check out, 'Now I am become Uxbridge, destroyer of rational climate discourse'.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Executive Director of Place and Customer

Essex County Council
up to £179,404 per annum
Shape the Future of Essex. Drive climate action. Deliver for our communities. Essex
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Director of Social Work and Social Care

Trafford Council
£100,731 to £104,625
You will join a values-driven senior leadership team, providing visible and responsive leadership. Manchester
Recuriter: Trafford Council

Housing Ombudsman

Housing Ombudsman Service
£130,095 per annum, negotiable based on experience.
The Housing Ombudsman Service allows colleagues to choose if they wish to work in the London office, from home or a hybrid of the two London (Greater)
Recuriter: Housing Ombudsman Service

Lead Commissioning Officer

Essex County Council
£42452 - £49943 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
This is a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity for up to 12 months.Interviews will be held on 3rd March 2026.*Experience the best of both wo England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Specialist Tutor - Employability/Well-Being

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band E SCP 18-25 (£31,537 - £36,363 per annum)
Sandwell Adult and Family Learning Service has an exciting opportunity for 2 full-time specialist tutors Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner