The plans include a proposal to extend the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to the North Circular Road and the South Circular Road, and possibly bring forward its introduction from 2020.

The Mayor has also suggested that the most polluting vehicles would be hit with an extra charge on top of the Congestion Charge payment from 2017, and the proposals would also give the go-ahead for Transport for London (TfL) to start work on the costs and challenges of implementing a diesel scrappage scheme in the Capital.

The British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association (BVRLA) expressed its concern over the announcements.

Chief executive Gerry Keaney commented: “We support all measures introduced to improve air quality, but are wary of the impact the Mayor’s proposals will have on local communities and businesses. 

“These last-minute adjustments to the ULEZ scheme would not give businesses time to prepare and could punish a large number of companies who have already planned their vehicle requirements based on the scheduled 2020 introduction date. It took years of planning, research and consultation to come up with the current ULEZ proposals and rushing through with any changes could have major unforeseen repercussions. 

“As the operators of the newest, cleanest vehicles on UK roads, the rental and leasing industry would be there to help businesses that were caught out by any new rules.”

He added: “We believe a diesel scrappage scheme is a blunt instrument for improving air quality – there needs to be thought put into this scheme. Motorists should be encouraged to use vehicles as and when they need them – rather than just being given £2,000 to buy a new vehicle, they could be given vouchers for car clubs. Any air quality plan should also look at encouraging uptake of ultra low emission plug in vehicles with a range of in-life incentives, such as free parking or use of bus lanes.”

Keaney concluded: “Air quality is vitally important, but we also need to ensure that people can afford to live and work in London. We believe that the current ULEZ proposals strike a good balance between these priorities and can be built on going forward.”  

The RAC also commented on the plans.

Roads policy spokesman Nicholas Lyes said: “The principal of the original Ultra-Low Emission Zone scheme was to balance the need to tackle poor air quality, and give motorists sufficient time to replace their more polluting vehicles. Bringing this forward, and introducing an extra charging scheme next year, may set alarm bells ringing for motorists and businesses who rely on their diesel vehicles every day.

“It is good to see the Mayor has recognised the need to provide incentives to vehicle owners to trade in more polluting vehicles, however studies into a diesel scrappage scheme suggest it could be expensive with relatively little benefit.

“Surely the Mayor should be setting a more ambitious target to replace polluting buses and taxis as early as possible. Some of the areas in London where air pollution is at its worst are routes heavily used by these vehicles. It is also important to remember that congestion can exacerbate pollution levels, so we would urge the Mayor to look at ways to get London’s traffic moving as data shows average speeds are decreasing, which could be compounding the problem.”