Responding to the election of Steve Tuckwell as MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, Jeeshan Choudhury, Spokesperson at Centre for London, said:

“This result, and the campaign strategy which has led to it, make clear that the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone is currently the dominant issue within London’s political agenda.

In outer London, including Uxbridge, our research finds people feel forced into using their cars by a lack of other options. Over twice as many journeys are made by car than in inner London, and over half are under two miles. Government and London’s leaders need to work together on a strategy to give people more practical choices for transport that works.

But this result must not be viewed as a signal to ditch the progress and measures which have made London a global leader on environmental action. Our polling with Savanta revealed that 88% of Londoners worry about the impact of air pollution, and inaction will only increase those concerns.

Many of the issues with ULEZ are because it’s a single cost once you cross a single line, which can punish Londoners on lower incomes for short trips. We’ve long argued a ‘pay per mile’ road user charging system would be fairer across the board. In the meantime, the urgent need to improve air quality cannot be ignored.

Ahead of next year’s mayoral election, London’s leaders must think about how to remain at the forefront of climate action and transport innovation, in a way that works for all Londoners.”