STATEMENT From Jonathan Gullis MP
"Despite repeated push back from Stoke-on-Trent Conservative Councillors and local Members of Parliament to not have to introduce a temporary CAZ, we were legally mandated to explore options.
"The 'CAZ C' option explored by Stoke-on-Trent City Council would not apply to privately owned vehicles, only the most polluting commercial vehicles such as taxis and buses, therefore not punishing the average Stokie motorist as a ULEZ would.
"Stoke-on-Trent is very different to London, which is densely populated and has an incredibly comprehensive public transport system. Crucially, Stoke-on-Trent - which is compromised of six towns - is geographically unique, and Stokies rely on their car far more than Londoners. Extending Khan's Marxist anti-motorist ULEZ policy to Stoke-on-Trent would have catastrophic consequences for local people, our high streets, and small businesses.
"Local Conservative Councillors and MPs have secured millions of pounds of investment to improve road connectivity such as the Eturia Valley Link Road, secured over £30 million to improve our local bus services from the Government, and invested a record £39 million to resurface roads, pavements, and fix potholes across Stoke-on-Trent.
"I hope all Councillors on Stoke-on-Trent City Council will join local residents in backing my petition, and back the many motorists in and around our city who rely on their vehicle each and every day."
