BRAKES ON: Future of Croxley classic car show in doubt due to ULEZ expansion

One of the organisers of Croxley’s annual Classics on the Green car show has said the event’s future is threatened by the expansion of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

From August 29, drivers of cars that fail to meet emission and safety standards set by Transport for London (TfL) will have to pay a £12.50 fee per day to enter the Greater London Authority boundary.

This year’s Classics on the Green is set to take place on August 9, before the expansion comes into force.

However, Kevin France, club treasurer for Watford and District Classic Vehicle Club, has said the changes could have disastrous effects on their events in the future.

Speaking to CROXLEYnews, he said: “Around 50 per cent of the cars at our event come under the category of ‘modern classics’, which means they were made between 1982 and 2005.

“Under ULEZ, people with these cars will be charged £12.50 for a drive in them. This will affect a lot of our exhibitors, many of whom live in affected places like Hillingdon and Harrow.

“ULEZ is a farce. It’s all just to support TfL, who are millions of pounds in debt.

“We’re a small show, but bigger ones will be affected by this too.”

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “Around 4,000 Londoners die prematurely each year due to toxic air, with the greatest number of deaths attributable to air pollution in London’s outer boroughs.

“The Mayor has been clear that the decision to expand ULEZ London-wide was not easy but necessary to reduce the capital’s toxic air pollution, tackle the climate emergency and cut congestion in our city. Eighty-five per cent of vehicles seen driving in the expanded ULEZ are already compliant and will not have to pay the charge.

“ULEZ exemptions apply to vehicles with a historic tax class, meaning they are more than 40 years old.”

Photo Credit: Peter Vlad Dan Photography