Calls for ULEZ Exemption for Smugglers Way

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Councillors say people trying to recycle shouldn't be penalised

Entrance to Smugglers Way recycling centre

December 2, 2021

South Londoners from outside the Ultra Low Emission Zone have had to buy new cars or pay £12.50 to visit their local tip.

Councillors are calling for the tip to be exempt from the zone due to fly-tipping fears.

But some locals said they don’t mind and support ULEZ.

Wandsworth Town’s waste and recycling centre in Smugglers Way is on the ULEZ boundary so locals visiting will now be charged £12.50 per day by TfL if their vehicle is not compliant with emissions rules.

Local Harry Sowerby, 50, said, “ULEZ doesn’t really bother us.

“We had to get a new car but this car is on lease so we just changed it quite easily. It didn’t cost anything but it was a bit of a pain.

“People who haven’t got the money, ULEZ can really affect them.”

His response to councillors calling for an exemption was that “the minute you start making exceptions, all the tips will want exceptions”.

Harry Sowerby

Resident Chris Johns said: “I had to get a new car, it cost £55,000. I sold my previous one for £20,000, but I wanted to buy a new car anyway.”

The 53-year-old added: “I think ULEZ is great, really great.”

Bader Sheibea said: “I don’t need to pay the charge because my car is compliant, I checked online and support ULEZ.”

Local Jenny Smith asked: “What does ULEZ mean?”

She said she hasn’t checked whether her car was compliant but said,“My husband is in charge of that.”

Wandsworth Council’s transport spokesman, Cllr John Locker, said: “It cannot be right that residents who are doing the right thing and making the effort to recycle or deposit their waste in the right place should be penalised for doing so.

“If they are simply entering the zone to do their civic duty and then leaving straight away and not venturing further into the charging area, then they shouldn’t have to pay for it.

“And because they must provide their vehicle registration to visit the waste site this information could easily be used to waive the ULEZ charge.”

TfL has been contacted for comment.