LONDON Mayor Sadiq Khan’s hated ultra-low emission zone was in chaos last night following a landmark legal ruling.
Ferryman Noel Willcox — hit with an £11,500 fine — was ruled that key signs for his sister scheme were not legal.
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Sadiq Khan’s hated ultra-low emissions scheme was in chaos last night after a landmark legal rulingCredit: PA
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Boatman Noel Willcox — hit with £11,500 fine — ruled key signs not legal Credit: Olivia West
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From tomorrow the zone is expanding to the whole of LondonCredit: Getty
And he believes his victory paves the way for others to fight the charges when Khan’s Outbreak spreads across London tomorrow.
It comes after a study found 75 per cent of motorists receive complaints about clean air zone charges outside the capital.
Noel, 48, picked up his huge bill from the company’s lorry as it traveled to and from a warehouse in Harefield, north-west London.
Under the Low Emission Zone (Lez), polluting vans and HGVs must pay up to £300 a day or face hefty fines.
Noel refused to pay and the Court of Appeal ruled in his favour, saying Transport for London’s Lez signs were not “authorised and lawful”.
He said: “The Road Traffic Act says that if there is a risk of drivers being fined, you have to let them know.
“But low emission zone signs just say ‘Lez’ or ‘Entre zone’. They are not being clear about the allegations.”
The victory for Noel, from Berkhamsted, Herts, is not binding in other courts, but celebrity barrister Nick “Mr Loophole” Freeman said: “It is what is known as ‘convincing’, which means it can be used in other cases.”
He added of the signs, “Just saying you’re in the zone is meaningless.”
“They have to tell you not only where you are, but also what’s going on, in other words there may be a charge.”
Nick Freeman added: “Since this did not happen, the signs are neither for use nor for decoration.
“They are not fit for purpose and might as well not be there.”
“Since this was a first-level discussion, it is not legally binding.
“But it is what is known as ‘convincing’, which means it can be used in other cases.
“I believe the court made the right decision and TfL got it wrong.
“In my opinion there is not enough information about the signs. They don’t follow the rules
“It speaks volumes that TfL were given the opportunity to demonstrate that these signs were in line with the 2016 Road Signs and Guidance and they completely ignored it.
“They had the opportunity to file an appeal, but they didn’t do it. Instead they sent bailiffs after Noel Willcox, which shows utter contempt.”
TfL insisted that the Ministry of Transport in 2008 considered the Lez signs to be legal.
It added: “We are investigating why the correct evidence was not provided.”
Labor cost
IT CONSULTANT Markus Thompson will have to pay £87.50 a week to commute to work and transport his two daughters.
Markus, 51, from Cockfosters, uses his 2014 diesel Mercedes E-Class five days a week to visit clients.
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Markus Thompson will have to pay £87.50 a week to go to work and transport his two daughters aroundCredit: SUPPLIED
On weekends, he uses it to take his daughters Lola (13) and Betty (9) on trips.
He said: “The car is worth £7-8,000 but I’ll only get two thousand for it under the Mayor’s scrap metal scheme.”
‘Struck off the road’
RETIRED police officer Roger Whipp will have to pay £12.50 every time he and wife Margaret want to drive to the supermarket.
Roger, 75, from Romford, Essex, bought a new Hyundai estate nine years ago.
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Roger Whipp will have to pay £12.50 every time he and wife Margaret want to drive to the supermarket Credit: John McLellan
He said: “At my age I cannot afford a new car.
“After 57 years of driving without a conviction, I am forced to get off the road.
“I already pay more in tolls and pumps as a diesel driver.”
It’s time to object to changing car rules
Author: Laura Dodsworth
ULEZ according to Labor is coming to towns and cities across the country. And don’t I know that?
It’s coming to my area tomorrow, thanks to Mayor Sadiq Khan’s expansion.
Although I live 15 miles outside of London, I am close to the part of Kingston that juts out into our semi-rural area.
This junction is how traffic gets to the M25, A3, Chessington World of Adventures and of course many businesses.
Despite not being close to the hustle and bustle of the city, people will be forced to pay £12.50 to travel to work.
I bought my diesel when it was environmentally friendly.
Remember when we were told diesel cars were more efficient?
Like many environmental statements, things change. No diesel, new electric vehicles are coming.
There are several problems.
First, the lack of public transportation in our area as an alternative. So we have to keep driving.
Second, trading cars is expensive at the best of times, let alone for an expensive electric vehicle.
Even if I could afford it, there’s a third problem: like many in apartments or small houses, I have nowhere to plug it in.
Those who come up with such ideas have no idea how people live.
Some call the opposition to Ulez the right wing.
I couldn’t be more wrong.
Those who object are ordinary people.
They are forcing us to give up our cars. Did you vote for it?
If you want to keep your car, get behind The Sun’s Give Us A Brake campaign — calling for the Intruder not to spread in London Laura Dodsworth is a writer and author
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New figures show that in areas outside London three out of four appeals have already been approvedCredit: Olivia West
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: newstars.edu.vn