Sadiq Khan’s expansion of the ULEZ scrappage scheme has been branded an “act of desperation” and “too little, too late” by Tories.
The London Mayor said every Londoner with a non-compliant car will now be able to receive a grant of up to £2,000 towards an upgrade.
But Tory London mayoral candidate Susan Hall said the changes are “too little, too late”.
She said: “Thousands of families, small businesses and charities face financial ruin because of Sadiq Khan’s ULEZ expansion, which will do next to nothing to improve air quality.
“If I am elected Mayor, I will reverse this disastrous policy and replace it with a £50million fund to reduce air pollution without taxing people.”
Keith Prince, City Hall Conservatives transport spokesperson, added: “This is an act of desperation from Sadiq Khan to appease members of his own party, but does not go far enough to stop the damage his ULEZ expansion will do to Londoners.
“The best thing he could do is U-turn and adopt some policies that would actually clean the air, such as accelerating the move to zero emission buses.”
Mr Khan insisted he would not “step back, delay or water down” the controversial policy to tackle air pollution.
But he said he was widening the scrappage scheme after listening to concerns about the expansion amid the cost of living crisis.
He said: “I have always said that expanding the ULEZ to the whole of London was a difficult decision, and not one I took lightly – but it’s a decision I remain committed to seeing through.
“I’m not prepared to step back, delay or water down vital green policies like ULEZ, which will not only save lives and protect children’s lungs by cleaning up our polluted air but help us to fight the climate crisis.
“I have continued to listen to the concerns of Londoners over recent months, and today I can announce a huge expansion to the scrappage scheme that means that all Londoners with non ULEZ-compliant cars will now be able to get financial support to switch to greener, less polluting vehicles.
“As we continue to build a greener and healthier London for everyone, I’m determined that no Londoner and no London business is left behind.
“We need to take people with us on the path to a sustainable future. We are ensuring that help is now available for everyone – and I urge Londoners to come and get it.”
While previously only child benefit recipients, low-income and disabled people were eligible for scrappage grants, from August 21 all Londoners with non-compliant cars can apply.
Small businesses and sole traders can also get £21,000 to junk up to three vans.
It comes ahead of the expansion of the zone to beyond the capital’s north and south circular roads on August 29.
Drivers of vehicles which do not meet minimum emissions standards are charged a £12.50 daily fee for entering the zone.
The London Mayor will use £50 million of City Hall’s reserves to fund the changes.
Mr Khan last week won a High Court challenge against five Tory-led councils who wanted the ULEZ expansion to be ruled unlawful.
He has also faced pressure from within his own party after Labour’s by-election loss in Boris Johnson’s former seat was blamed on the hated policy.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer asked Mr Khan to reflect on how the extension of the zone to all London boroughs was being carried out.
