A convoy of 20 vehicles donated to Ukraine through London’s ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) scrappage scheme arrived over the weekend, and more will arrive soon, a charity said, according to The Guardian. 

Ulez is an Ultra Low Emission Zone, a standard in London for vehicle emissions. If motorists want to scrap vehicles that don’t meet these standards, they can now donate them to Ukraine. The scheme is supposed to encourage Londoners to buy Ulez-compliant cars, improving the capital’s air quality – and avoiding daily charges of £12.50 for driving in London.

Since the program was approved, more than 100 vehicles have been donated to Ukraine, with around half delivered so far. Many criticized the London authorities for slowing the decision to transfer the cars Kyiv needs amid Russia’s war. 

The Telegraph: Vehicles pledged to Ukraine by London’s mayor found stranded in Surrey field

British Ukrainian Aid, which is operating the scheme, said 13 more vehicles are coming to the country for medical and humanitarian purposes. The charity urged more London residents to donate their vehicles under the scheme to save the lives of Ukrainians on the frontlines and in settlements regularly attacked by Russia. 

Earlier, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan rejected a proposal to send scrapped cars to Ukraine. Car for Ukraine, a volunteer initiative delivering vehicles to the front line, condemned the decision, citing a “lack of political courage” and emphasizing the opportunity to show solidarity with Ukraine.

London Mayor rejects sending scrapped cars to Ukraine front despite Kyiv Mayor’s proposal

Critics, including senior Tory MPs, deemed the decision “outrageous,” with some arguing that it hampers the ability to help Ukraine during a difficult time. Later, Khan changed the decision. However, most of the Ulez vehicles still stay in the UK.

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• [London, News from Ukraine All news from Ukraine tagged with “London” on Euromaidan Press. Independent Ukrainian newspaper in English]
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• [London street appeared in Kyiv instead of Piterskaya (St. Petersburg)]