Exclusive: Leaked Documents Reveal Khan&#8217;s Controversial Road Policy Overhaul &#8211; Drivers Warn of &#8216;Final Nail in

Published: 14th July 2025 | The English Chronicle Desk

A leaked transport policy document has sparked fury among motorists and business owners across London, revealing what critics are calling Mayor Sadiq Khan’s most aggressive road regulation reforms to date. The confidential draft, obtained by The English Chronicle, outlines sweeping measures that could dramatically reshape the capital’s transport landscape, with industry leaders warning the plans may deliver a “death blow” to already struggling drivers and small businesses.

The unpublished policy paper proposes extending the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to encompass all major arterial routes within the M25, effectively eliminating remaining “buffer zones” that currently allow some vehicles to bypass charges. More controversially, the blueprint includes provisions for dynamic road pricing that would see fees fluctuate based on real-time congestion levels – with peak hours potentially costing up to three times current ULEZ rates.

Perhaps the most incendiary element involves proposed “zero emission corridors” that would ban all non-electric vehicles from certain central London routes between 7am-7pm by 2027. The document frames these measures as essential for meeting net-zero targets, but acknowledges “significant transitional impacts” on tradespeople, commuters and commercial operators.

The leaked plans have drawn scathing criticism from transport groups and business associations. The Road Haulage Association’s London chair, Michael O’Connor, described the proposals as “an existential threat” to small logistics firms already grappling with rising operational costs. “This isn’t air quality management – it’s social engineering that will price working-class Londoners off the roads entirely,” he told The English Chronicle.

Tradespeople have been particularly vocal, with one Wandsworth-based plumber stating: “My diesel van meets current ULEZ standards but would be banned under these rules. They’re telling me to take out a £50,000 loan for an electric van when I’m barely keeping my business afloat.”

While not confirming the document’s authenticity, a spokesperson for the Mayor’s office acknowledged “ongoing policy development to address London’s dual challenges of toxic air and climate change.” They emphasized that any formal proposals would be subject to extensive public consultation, stressing that “no final decisions have been made.”

Transport for London (TfL) insiders suggest the leaked draft represents an “ambitious scenario” rather than finalized policy, with one source noting that “political and practical realities will inevitably require modifications.” However, the disclosure has already galvanized opposition groups, with the London Conservatives pledging to fight what they term “Khan’s War on Motorists.”

The controversy highlights London’s growing transport inequality. While affluent boroughs boast some of the UK’s highest electric vehicle adoption rates, analysis suggests just 12% of minicab drivers and 8% of small tradespeople currently operate zero-emission vehicles – figures that haven’t kept pace with the Mayor’s green ambitions.

Professor Helena Murchison of the London School of Economics warns: “Without vastly improved scrappage schemes and charging infrastructure, these policies risk creating a two-tier transport system where only corporations and the wealthy can afford compliance.”

With City Hall remaining tight-lipped about the document’s status, all eyes turn to next month’s Transport Strategy Review. Meanwhile, grassroots opposition is mobilizing, with several borough councils threatening legal challenges if the proposals move forward without significantly enhanced mitigation measures.

For London’s drivers – already navigating expanded congestion zones, rising parking costs and proliferating Low Traffic Neighborhoods – these leaked plans represent what many fear could be the point of no return for private vehicle use in the capital.

The English Chronicle Online will continue to investigate this developing story. Readers with information regarding transport policy development are encouraged to contact our investigative team.