Protesters took to Havering's streets to oppose the London mayor's planned expansion of Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) - saying it is a "war on motorists".

Michelle Amato, of activist group Havering against ULEZ, organised a roadside protest on Saturday (April 29).

She said "a couple of hundred" people turned up including scooter riders, lorry drivers and the owner of a vintage fire engine.

London mayor Sadiq Khan has decided to expand ULEZ to all London boroughs this August.

He has previously said the move will save lives and "give all Londoners the right to breathe cleaner air".

Data released by City Hall last week showed that in 2021 every London borough had air pollution above World Health Organisation guidance.

But the expansion plan has sparked widespread opposition.

Romford Recorder: The owner of a vintage fire engine joined Havering Against ULEZ protesters at a roadside gatheringThe owner of a vintage fire engine joined Havering Against ULEZ protesters at a roadside gathering (Image: Michelle Amato)

"What we're trying to do is make the public more aware of ULEZ," said Michelle.

"Even when we are out leafleting people are still not aware of it.

"People are calling us far right anti-vaxxers and anti-climate activists but we're not, we're p****d off residents trying to fight for pensioners and low income families who can't afford the fee or change their cars."

The zone will be expanded to cover the whole of the capital from August 29, with a £12.50 daily fee for vehicles not meeting minimum standards.

Romford Recorder: Havering Against ULEZ say outer London boroughs should be exempt from £12.50 levyHavering Against ULEZ say outer London boroughs should be exempt from £12.50 levy (Image: Michelle Amato)

Michelle also expressed concern over the support offered by City Hall's scrappage scheme, which offers people up to £2,000 for scrapping a non-compliant car.

She said: "Who's to say a compliant car this year will be compliant next year?

"It's not that we don't care about the environment and we're petrol guzzling motorists, we're not. We're doing everything we can with recycling but this is a war on motorists.

"When you look at central London and inner London, everything is on your doorstep. We don't have that in Havering. Not everything is on our doorstep. We can't walk or cycle where we want to go." 

Michelle also had concerns on the impact of the expansion on those who work in care homes from outside of Havering.

She fears those living in Essex boroughs such as Thurrock who work in Havering care homes "are going to give up their jobs".

City Hall has been contacted for comment.