The recent expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London has generated heated debate. Proponents argue that it is necessary for the improvement of air quality and public health, while critics contend that it disproportionately affects lower-income households.

But what has been overlooked is the fundamental issue of democracy. By ignoring the results of public consultations and disregarding the concerns of those most affected, the expansion of ULEZ stands as a glaring example of anti-democratic governance.

During the consultation process, the opinions of thousands of Londoners were collected. However, the decision to expand ULEZ seems to have been made regardless of these concerns. By overlooking the public's voice, the expansion of ULEZ not only undermines the very essence of democracy but also has serious consequences for vulnerable families.

The ULEZ expansion places a significant financial burden on lower-income households, many of whom rely on older vehicles that do not meet the stringent emissions standards. These families are now forced to pay a daily charge to use their vehicles within the zone, or face the cost of purchasing a new, compliant vehicle. In a city where the cost of living is already high, this additional burden exacerbates existing economic inequalities.

The solution to this problem is a shift towards direct democracy. By giving citizens the ability to vote on major decisions that directly impact their lives, such as the expansion of ULEZ, we can ensure that the outcomes are truly representative of the will of the people. Direct democracy allows citizens to have a say on issues that matter to them, fostering a more inclusive and fair society.

BLOCVOTE are building a secure and open platform to enable direct democracy, and we are giving everyone the opportunity to get involved.

HELP US GIVE THESE ANTI-DEMOCRATIC DICTATORS THE SACK:

1. Find out about our mission at https://blocvote.org

2. Follow us on Twitter (@blocvoteorg) or Getter (@blocvote) and retweet, like, and share content.

3. Join the mailing list so we can reach out to you with important news and information

4. Test drive our beta APP and provide feedback

5. Partner with us and stand for election - contact us for details at ( hello@blocvote.org )

6. Become a paid up member and support the ongoing development of the platform by using https://app.blocvote.org

In conclusion, the expansion of ULEZ is anti-democratic because the results of the public consultations were ignored, and it was reported that the necessary cameras were purchased prior to the consultation. This decision has had a disproportionate impact on poor families, further highlighting the need for a more direct and participatory democracy. By joining BlocVote and taking part in their initiatives, you can play a role in ensuring that the voice of the people is truly heard and respected. Together, we can make democracy work for everyone.

Let’s work together to secure better political outcomes for ordinary working people.