Ulez days of reckoning as twin threat looms for Khan flagship

SADIQ KHAN’S flagship policy to tackle London’s toxic air is at stake in a High Court showdown over the expansion of the ultra low emission zone.

- Ross Lydall and Noah Vickers

Five Tory councils claim the Mayor acted unlawfully in the way he has proposed to widen the zone to the Greater London boundary on August 29.

They hope the July 4 hearing — which they have dubbed “independence day” for outer London — will result in a humiliating defeat for Mr Khan and imperil his chances of winning a record third term. Aides say Mr Khan remains “confident” of victory.

But allies and adversaries agree that any delay will increase the likelihood that next May’s mayoral elections will become a referendum on the Ulez.

Opponents are also hoping the row will become the key issue at the by-election in Uxbridge and South Ruislip on July 20, which was triggered by Boris Johnson’s resignation.

Transport for London is “disaster planning” four possible outcomes from the legal battle, the Standard has learned. These range from the court giving the green light for the expansion, ordering minor or major changes, or requiring the entire consultation to be restarted, which could take months.