Sutton MP Paul Scully has written an open letter to the Mayor of London, urging the removal of a ULEZ camera positioned outside the entrance of the Royal Marsden cancer treatment hospital in Sutton.
The Royal Marsden, a prominent cancer treatment facility, is located near the ULEZ boundary and currently has a ULEZ camera near its entrance.
Paul Scully, Conservative MP for Sutton, Cheam, and Worcester Park, expressed concerns after the ULEZ camera was re-installed following a previous disablement.
In his open letter posted on his Facebook page, Mr. Scully addressed the concerns raised by his constituents regarding the re-installation of the ULEZ camera.
Mr. Scully previously wrote a letter to the Mayor of London on August 2, resulting in the camera’s temporary disablement. However, it has since been re-installed.
The Mayor’s office stated that TFL collaborates with boroughs on ULEZ camera locations “where necessary” and continues to review their placement.
Mr. Scully conveyed that constituents were “appalled” that the camera remains operational, especially within an area close to the recently expanded ULEZ boundary in Sutton.
Sutton MP Calls for Removal of ULEZ Camera Outside Royal Marsden
He wrote: “Prior to writing to you and in the time since, I received many representations from constituents shocked by the approach taken towards the Royal Marsden’s patients, visitors, and staff with this camera.”
“My constituents and I in Sutton are appalled that this camera is still operational with the express intention of catching motorists venturing little more than a hundred meters into the ULEZ boundary to visit their loved ones, receive treatment, or attend their place of work.”
“I, therefore, implore you to reconsider your stance on this particular camera.”
Some constituents expressed “shock,” with one individual describing the camera as “a sickening ploy” for people traveling to the Surrey hospital. Such travelers would face a £12.50 fee for driving a non-compliant ULEZ vehicle within the ULEZ scheme.
The Mayor’s Office confirmed that the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is registered under the NHS Patient Reimbursement scheme. This scheme allows certain patients to claim back ULEZ charges if they are considered too unwell or vulnerable to use public transport and must attend their hospital appointments using non-compliant vehicles. The scheme is open to residents both inside and outside of London.
Sutton MP Calls for Removal of ULEZ Camera Outside Royal Marsden
Mr. Scully concluded his letter by expressing concerns that this camera might serve as a “prominent lightning rod for those willing to take the law into their own hands” and recommended the removal of the camera as the “best” course of action.
Sutton MP Calls for Removal of ULEZ Camera Outside Royal Marsden
In response, a spokesperson for the Mayor’s Office emphasized that the decision to expand ULEZ was necessary to combat air pollution and the climate crisis. They mentioned that around 4,000 Londoners die prematurely each year due to air pollution, and the Mayor is working to support Londoners in transitioning to ULEZ-compliant vehicles. They also expanded the scrappage scheme to provide a £2,000 grant to every Londoner with a non-compliant car.