Furious locals revolt against Sadiq Khan’s plans to extend ULEZ as far as Chessington
Now you have to pay ULEZ fees to get to Chessington World of Adventures: Furious families pay £12.50 to visit the theme park
- Controversial plans include Chessington at the outer limits of ULEZ borders
Sadiq Khan’s controversial plans to expand Ultra-Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) to all 32 London boroughs have drawn the ire of residents living in the shadow of Chessington World of Adventures after it was announced that the attraction would be in Surrey included.
The Mayor of London has stated that he intends to complete the extension of the Green Zone by August 29, which will require Transport for London (TfL) to install cameras to monitor traffic.
Under ULEZ regulations, drivers of vehicles that don’t meet certain emissions standards must pay £12.50 a day to drive in these zones – meaning families going to the theme park will be affected.
But despite not actually being in London, the proposed plans for the new ULEZ zones include a significant area of Chessington, Surrey in their fishing areas.
Beyond the ULEZ boundary of Kingston Upon Thames, Chessington theme park and several major roads in the city of Surrey are curiously included in the new zone.
The Mayor of London has stated that he intends to complete the extension by August 29
A peninsula jutting out of Richmond Upon Thames has angered locals in Surrey
It includes the popular Surrey theme park Chessington World of Adventures
Like many areas on the outskirts of London, Chessington’s location is hotly contested.
The area is historically part of Surrey but is considered an area of Greater London.
Many Chessington residents reacted angrily to the news of their imminent inclusion in the scheme.
One of them said, ‘What’s up with the ULEZ going way out to make sure Chessington World of Adventures gets shot?
‘Make sure you get more money. It is not wanted – no consultation or notice.’
Another said: ‘I live in Chessington, 50% is green space on the Surrey border, but apparently we should be treated the same as Wandsworth.
It’s no wonder people are angry.
“Please keep trying to stop this nonsense.”
Another demanded to know how fair it was.
They said: ‘I don’t drive to London, I live in Chessington, Surrey and to use my vehicle to work the ULEZ comes there.
“How is that fair?”
Another said, “That oddly-shaped ULEZ extension also happens to contain Chessington World of Adventures.
“People outside London who want to treat their kids may now have to pay an extra £12.50, which is particularly affecting working-class families who don’t have new vehicles.”
MailOnline has approached TfL and Chessington World of Adventures for clarification on the new boundaries.
The proposals have been roundly booed online by locals who consider themselves part of Surrey
It is just the latest hiccup that Mr Khan’s aggressive expansion has faced in recent weeks.
Indeed, frustrated motorists have resorted to stealing the new ULEZ cameras in protest at controversial expansion plans.
Protesters have climbed into traffic lights to disable vehicle registration detection devices in boroughs across the capital, including Kingston, Sutton, Heathrow, Bromley and Greenwich.
There are reports that ULEZ cameras have been ripped from their bases, wires cut or bags placed over them in protest of the plans.
Earlier this month, Mr Khan said there had been 31 incidents of theft or vandalism within the proposed expansion zones and 12 within the existing zone since March 21.