London's ULEZ: Where Next for Curbing Emissions?

Abstract

If opposition to ULEZ really did tip the Uxbridge by-election result, we should be surprised. Most voters drive compliant vehicles and might benefit from cleaner air. But the adversely-affected minority had loud voices, and opposition was mobilised against the very principle of road pricing, with substantial input from home counties Conservatives outside Greater London. It didn't help that the scientific case for ULEZ is not straightforward, although it certainly exists. Especially when a lot of people are giving ‘don't know’ responses to pollsters, public opinion may be swayed by noisy dissent.