Sadiq Khan’s controversial plans to expand Ultra-Low Emission zones (ULEZ) to to all 32 London boroughs have enraged residents living in the shadow of Chessington World of Adventures after it emerged the Surrey attraction would be included.
The Mayor of London has stated that he intends to have the green zone expansion completed by August 29 with Transport for London (TfL) tasked with erecting cameras to monitor traffic.
Under ULEZ regulations, drivers of vehicles that do not pass certain emissions standards will be required to pay £12.50 per day to drive in these zones – meaning families heading to the theme park would be affected.
But despite not actually being in London, proposed plans for the new ULEZ zones include a sizable area of Chessington, Surrey in their capture areas.
Jutting out from the ULEZ border of Kingston Upon Thames, Chessington theme park and several key roads in the Surrey town are strangely included in the new zone.
The Mayor of London has stated that he intends to have the expansion completed by August 29
A peninsula jutting out from Richmond Upon Thames has angered Surrey locals
It includes the popular Surrey theme park Chessington World of Adventures
Like many areas on the outskirts of London, Chessington’s location has been hotly contested.
The area is historically a part of Surrey but has come to be considered an area of Greater London.
Reacting to the news of their imminent inclusion in the scheme, many Chessington locals were apoplectic with rage.
One said: ‘What’s going on with the ULEZ going way out to make sure Chessington World of Adventures is included?
‘Make sure you get more money. It’s not wanted – no consultation or notice.’
Another said: ‘I live in Chessington, 50% is green space on the Surrey border, yet apparently we should be treated the same as Wandsworth.
‘It’s no wonder people are angry.
‘Please keep trying to get this nonsense stopped.’
Another demanded to know how it was fair.
They said: ‘I’m not driving into London, I live in Chessington, Surrey and in order to use my vehicle to do work the ULEZ is coming out to there.
‘How is that fair?’
Another said: ‘That odd shaped ULEZ extension just so happens to conveniently include Chessington World of Adventures.
‘People outside of London who want to treat their kids may now have to pay an additional £12.50 which effects mostly working class families who don’t have new vehicles.’
MailOnline has approached TfL and Chessington World of Adventures for more 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 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.
Protestors have been climbed traffic signals to take the vehicle registration detection devices out of action in boroughs across the capital including Kingston, Sutton, Heathrow, Bromley and Greenwich.
There are reports that ULEZ cameras have been ripped from their bases, have had their wires cut or bags placed over them in protest against the plans.
Speaking earlier this month, Mr Khan said that since March 21, there had been 31 instances of theft or vandalism within the proposed expansion zones, and 12 within the existing zone.
