Mayor Allegedly Suppresses Scientific Disagreement Regarding ULEZ

London mayor Sadiq Khan has been accused of attempting to suppress opposing views by asking a City Hall-funded expert to counter research questioning the benefits of the proposed Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion. Deputy mayor Shirley Rodrigues contacted academic Professor Frank Kelly, who receives funding from Khan’s office, on two occasions to challenge research and reporting on the ULEZ. The expansion has faced criticism, with the Conservative Party citing local opposition as a reason for its victory in last month’s by-election. The expansion will introduce a daily fee for drivers in outer London whose vehicles do not meet emissions standards. Susan Hall, the Tory mayoral candidate, has vowed to scrap the expansion. Government minister for London Paul Scully said the ULEZ would have less impact on areas further from the city centre. Emails obtained by the Conservative Party show Rodrigues reached out to Kelly to challenge a study by Imperial College, arguing it was misleading. City Hall responded by stating that analysing the ULEZ at its outset would not be appropriate as air quality improvements take time to be felt through shifts to cleaner vehicles and public transport. The released emails also indicated that Rodrigues and Kelly collaborated on press statements to address media coverage.



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