Residents in Wandsworth can claim an extra £1,000 to become Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) compliant, as the council has launched its own scrappage scheme on top of Transport for London's (TfL) financial support.
Residents who are eligible or qualify for means-tested benefits or are registered as a carer will be able to apply for a £1,000 grant.
The council clarified this applies to residents 'who give up or have recently given up' higher polluting vehicles, even if they take advantage of TfL's scrappage scheme as well.
The council has set aside £1m from its Cost of Living Fund to support the Wandsworth Sustainable Travel Fund.
To be eligible the residents need to:
- Live in Wandsworth and own (or owned) a non-ULEZ-compliant vehicle
- Be eligible for qualifying means-tested benefits, or be registered as a carer
- Be able to prove the vehicle has been sold or disposed of since January 2023
Simon Hogg, leader of Wandsworth Council said: 'Switching to more sustainable modes of transport as part of the expansion of ULEZ is at the heart of tackling air pollution – something we know is a real priority for local residents.
'At the same time, household budgets are very stretched for everyone, and in particular those on lower incomes.
'Our new Wandsworth Sustainable Travel Fund will provide targeted support to help local people struggling with the cost of living – as well as dedicated, hardworking local carers - make the transition away from high polluting vehicles.'
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: 'Wandsworth is yet another example of a local authority doing the right thing and stepping up where the Government has failed to provide sufficient funding to London.
'While 90% of cars seen driving regularly in outer London on an average day are already ULEZ compliant, I’m keen we support everyone making the shift to cleaner forms of travel.
The scheme will launch in September and full details on how to apply will be published and widely communicated shortly.
Residents can contact ulez@wandsworth.gov.uk with questions about the scheme or to register to receive updates.
