Matthew has joined with Barnet MPs and the Leader of the Conservative Group on Barnet Council in urging the Labour GLA Member for Barnet and Camden to reject the extension of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to the Hendon constituency.

Members of the London Assembly will vote on Thursday 17th November on a proposal to alter the Mayor's Transport Strategy. This would allow the ULEZ to be implement across Barnet. Vehicles that do not comply with the emissions limit will be required to pay £12.50 per day.

Matthew, along with Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers and Finchley & Golders Green MP Mike Freer have asked the GLA Member to vote AGAINST the proposal. The full text of the letter can be found below. 

Last month Matthew joined with Labour MP John Cruddas in asking the Mayor to consider a no-charge period for the first year of the expanded ULEZ. This was due to the two-years notice provided for the introduction of the ULEZ in Central London but only a one-year notice for the expanded zone. Providing such a length of time allowed drivers, particularly small business owners, to change their vehicles to comply.

In addition, the Independent Impact Assessment released alongside the ULEZ consultation showed that the expanded zone would not provide the environmental benefits sought. 

Matthew said "I desperately want to see improved air quality in London but this expansion is the wrong way to achieve that and is being sought at the wrong time. The cost-of-living crisis is making life very different for many people and introducing an additional charge on private cars and businesses is the wrong decision. Our constituents need protecting from this erroneous proposal at the wrong time."