NTIA criticises London ULEZ expansion over midnight threshold

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has criticised London’s expanding ULEZ scheme over its “poorly conceived” midnight threshold and the removal of day travel passes.

According to the association, these decisions “underscored a shocking lack of consideration” for the city’s workforce. 

While the NTIA acknowledges the significance of embracing environmental sustainability, it maintains that the imposed measures fail to strike a reasonable equilibrium between ecological concerns and the safety and vitality of the workforce and economy. 

As a result, the NTIA has demanded an immediate and thorough re-evaluation of these “draconian” measures, believing that collaboration with stakeholders across sectors is imperative to rectify “this assault on workers, residents and visitors”. 

Michael Kill, CEO of NTIA, said: “The midnight threshold unfairly condemns countless night workers who are unable to afford compliant vehicles to a double whammy of charges as they diligently fulfil their duties during unconventional hours. It also brings into question how many night workers are paying double when public transport is limited due to industrial action.

“This long standing issue will be further compounded by further policy changes which will see parking fines increase and the imposition of outrageous charges for using the Blackwall Tunnel.” 

He added: “These unjustified financial impositions, coupled with the impending removal of the day travel pass in January, are unmistakable signals that London’s authorities are turning their back on the very essence of accessibility, safety and inclusivity.”

The NTIA vowed to vehemently engage with policymakers, business leaders, and community representatives to safeguard London’s position as an accessible and thriving global hub of innovation and culture.