At the time of writing, we are eagerly preparing for the coronation of King Charles III. Many of my residents in Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner have been decorating their homes, preparing their streets and volunteering as part of the King’s initiative to support the nation’s volunteering sector. I have been impressed by the decorations going up across Hillingdon and Harrow with Union Flags hanging from lampposts across the boroughs.
I look forward to spending my weekend with family and neighbours as we celebrate the coronation, and I will also be attending a number of events being hosted within the community. I wish everyone celebrating this weekend well.
Despite the excitement for the King’s coronation, many residents have still taken the time to write to me about the impending expansion of the Mayor’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
As we move closer to the date on which the Mayor intends to press ahead with the expansion, it is of increasing importance that his plans are brought to a standstill.
I am aware from the ongoing influx of correspondence from constituents that there is a clear consensus on this issue. While not all residents are opposed to the expansion, most of the correspondence that I have received from constituents has relayed the damage that the Mayor’s decision will have on their lives or those they know.
Readers may be aware that Hillingdon and Harrow have, together with a number of other boroughs, taken legal action over the Mayor’s decision.
I was delighted to learn that the High Court had granted permission for a Judicial Review into the proposed expansion on the two grounds: the consultation process and the scrappage scheme. I understand that the hearing of the claim is likely to be listed in the week commencing Monday 3rd July.
The Mayor has failed to consult and listen to residents about his plans. Hillingdon and Harrow were right to press the legal challenge and I am grateful for their leadership in this matter. I expect the Mayor to await the outcome of the judicial review prior to proceeding with the expansion.
First published: My Local News, May 2023
