THERE are no plans to introduce a Ulez style congestion charge in Colchester, city leaders have vowed. 

It comes amid a bitter national row between councils and the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who plans to order the expansion of the capital’s Ultra Low Emission Zone rules.

If Mr Khan’s vision does go ahead, the extended Ulez legislation will see drivers in outer London pay a £12.50 daily fee from August 29 if their vehicles do not meet the required emissions standards.

The new borders will reach Essex, as well as Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey and Buckinghamshire.

Gazette: Controversial - the proposed expansion of Ulez will see the rules reach EssexControversial - the proposed expansion of Ulez will see the rules reach Essex (Image: PA)

Colchester Council leader David King said he “can’t see” the zone reaching Colchester, adding there are “no such plans”.

He told a council cabinet meeting “there are clear links accepted nationally” between deaths and air pollution.

“Our policy as a council has to be to look at all those ways which legitimately make it easier for people to take choices about they way they travel,” said Mr King.

“Also, to have cleaner air by whatever means they come into the city.

Gazette: Rules - a ULEZ signRules - a ULEZ sign (Image: PA)

Gazette: Protest - campaigners voice their concerns about the Ulez expansion outside the High Court in LondonProtest - campaigners voice their concerns about the Ulez expansion outside the High Court in London (Image: PA)

“But I repeat, there are no plans. I can’t see [Ulez rules expanding to Colchester] happening.

“I do see us continuing to strike a better balance between the different forms of transport into the city centre.”

Mr King was backed by the council’s neighbourhood services and waste chief and fellow Liberal Democrat councillor Martin Goss.

He said: “I am absolutely against any congestion charge.

Gazette: Reassurance - Colchester Council leader David KingReassurance - Colchester Council leader David King (Image: Newsquest)

Gazette: Aerial view - Colchester city centre from the skyAerial view - Colchester city centre from the sky (Image: Newsquest)

“We are not locking people in their homes and I’ve made that very clear to stop stuff going round on social media.”

The debate came after Department for Energy Security and Net Zero figures published in June revealed Colchester has seen a drop in carbon dioxide emissions since 2005.

The levels have dropped 37.1 per cent from a total of 1,149 ktCO2e in 2005 – when data is first available – to 723 ktCO2e in 2021.

The statistics cover emissions "within the scope of influence" of Colchester Council, meaning it excludes pollution from sources such as motorways and large industrial plants.