Legislation that will enable London boroughs to opt out of future road charging schemes has been welcomed as ‘an enormous step forwards in local democracy’.
The Government-backed amendment to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill was prompted by the controversial expansion of Transport for London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) in the face of opposition from some councils.
The amendment will allow boroughs to excuse themselves from future schemes if they are meeting air quality standards or have an approved plan to do so, and gives the Secretary of State a power to intervene ‘in certain circumstances’.
It was devised by Lord Moylan, former Kensington and Chelsea councillor and adviser to Boris Johnson as London Mayor.
He told Highways' sister publication The MJ: ‘It’s a very modest change and rights an imbalance that exists between two authorities in the same space.
‘In most cities, like Manchester and Birmingham, it works rather differently and involves borough agreement
‘A wise mayor will always want to take the boroughs with him.’
The amendment was tabled on his behalf in the House of Lords by fellow Tory peer and Bexley LBC leader, Baroness O’Neill.
She said: ‘The amendment is as a result of the imposition of the extension of ULEZ to outer London by the mayor of London against the wishes of our residents and, given the council are standing up for our residents, the logic is that the mayor will need to consult/seek permission from councils if looking to bring forward any future schemes.’
Bexley was one of a handful to take the issue to court in a vain attempt to halt the ULEZ, which was expanded to cover all of Greater London this month.
A spokesperson for Hillingdon LBC, another of those involved in the legal action, said: ‘For Hillingdon, under qualified conditions, to be able to prevent the Mayor of London's intention to introduce road pricing or any other form of road charging will be an enormous step forwards in local democracy and empowerment and should be welcomed by everyone.’
Harrow LBC leader Paul Osborn added: ‘Devolution doesn’t stop at City Hall. I welcome the proposal to get a better balance of powers between the mayor of London and London boroughs.
‘This change brings London more into line with other combined mayoral authorities across the country.
