Retired Orpington couple opposes ULEZ expansion plans

Jill, 67, and Neal Bradford, 68, purchased a £50,000 motorhome last year with dreams to fulfil their retirement plans by travelling across Europe.

Their dreams then became a “harsh” reality after the Mayor of London proposed to expand ULEZ into south east London.

Jill told the News Shopper said: “We had plans to travel across Europe but now this is ruined for us.

Jill and Neal Bradford's motorhome (Image: Contributor)

“We spent all our retirement money into fulfilling our dreams of travelling and enjoying this time of our lives.

“We have waited 30 years to buy a motorhome and it was a dream come true when we did.

“The scheme is utterly disgusting and doesn’t consider if people can afford to spend money and buy new vehicles.”

Jill and Neal have so far travelled to France for a ski trip but fear that it was their last holiday with the motorhome.

If the scheme does go ahead, Jill said they will have to pay £100 every time they take it out of the driveway for a future trip.

The couple are currently looking for a place to store their vehicle outside the ULEZ zone before the proposed scheme in August.

Jill explained: “Until we figure out what we can do, we might just look to store the motorhome outside the ULEZ zone.

“This way we can keep using it when we travel away and avoid the ULEZ zone while we travel.

“But this is going to be very difficult, so we will see.”

Jill, who has lived in Orpington her whole life, is considering moving outside the ULEZ zone to avoid the “disgrace” scheme.

It will be nearly “impossible” for the couple to go through the process of buying a new ULEZ compliant motorhome.

Jill added: “We just can’t sell our current motorhome and buy a new one because new ones are more expensive.

“We just can’t afford it now. So, moving area might be a solution but I don’t want to do that as I’ve grown up here.”

Jill and Neal are now hoping that the Mayor of London will reverse his plans before the proposed expansion.

The couple plan to use their motorhome to travel to Spain, Morocco, Italy, and Croatia in the next few years.

Jill explained: “It’s not need in Orpington, our postcode comes under Kent its not London, so why is it needed.

“If Khan does go ahead with his plans, he needs to give us a bit more time, ideally another two years or so.

“This way we can plan accordingly and see what is right for us as we don’t want to rush our decision.”

Several ULEZ cameras have also been left vandalised across south east London in opposition to the expansion.

Pictures on social media seem to show wires on the ULEZ cameras in Knee Hill, Abbey Wood left slashed.

A spokesperson for Mayor of London said that it is “deeply disappointing” to see opposition to the policy.

It added that this “petty” vandalism of London’s “essential” transport infrastructure is completely “unacceptable”.

A spokesperson for Transport for London said that vandalism on its network is “unacceptable.”

It added that all incidents will be reported to the police for an investigation.