London starts collecting scrapped cars for transfer to Ukraine
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
Starting from today, London has commenced the removal of vehicles failing to meet the standards of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), redirecting them to Ukraine in support of the country's humanitarian and medical needs. This initiative is a collaborative effort between Transport for London, British-Ukrainian Aid (BUA), and the Ukrainian Embassy, according to the Financial Times
Under the program, participants in the ULEZ scrappage scheme can donate their vehicles in exchange for the same amount they would have received otherwise. These vehicles will be repurposed for transporting vulnerable populations, medical personnel, and aid. The initiative is open to all London residents, small businesses, and charitable organizations with qualifying vehicles.
London's mayor has allocated £210 million to the scrappage program, offering up to £2,000 for car owners and £1,000 for motorcycle owners. Owners of wheelchair-accessible vehicles may qualify for £10,000 for scrappage or £6,000 for upgrades.
Additionally, London Ambulance Service is gifting 50 decommissioned ambulances to Ukraine. Though exempt from ULEZ charges, these vehicles are being phased out due to non-compliance.
Vehicles for Ukraine
In mid-February, Latvia enacted a law allowing for the confiscation of vehicles with Russian license plates, with seized vehicles slated for Ukraine's use.
Prior to this, Latvia had been transferring vehicles to Ukraine confiscated from intoxicated drivers, totaling over 270 by mid-December 2023, with an estimated value of nearly €1 million.
Lithuania also planned to transfer confiscated Russian vehicles to Ukraine. Laurynas Kasciunas, Head of Lithuania's Committee on National Security and Defense, said that Russians have until mid-March to remove their vehicles from the country.
