EXPANSIONS to the ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) which could see it edge closer to south Essex and the A127 have been condemned by an MP.

The zone had initially been confined to London, where motorists would have to pay a fee if they drove vehicles which did not meet minimum emissions standards.

But the ULEZ, which currently covers the north and south London circular roads, is set to be expanded in August this year so it encompasses all of greater London.

Now, the MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, Mark Francois, has written an open letter which describes the latest plans to expand the ULEZ expansion as 'a blatant tax grab'.

On August 29 of this year, motorists driving on the A127 will enter the ULEZ as soon as they continue on the A-road inside the M25, prompting Mr Francois to criticise the plans.

He wrote: "A 'one-size fits all solution' like ULEZ expansion is a sledgehammer that will hurt working people and businesses the Mayor of London does not seem to understand who will pick up the bill for his policies.

"It is not wealthy Londoners it is ordinary working people, who are less likely to be able to upgrade their car and more likely to own an older vehicle.

"The same applies to the many people who live in Essex, too."

It comes as Wickford firm Octane Finance found newly installed camera equipment used for Ulez is being targeted by vandals.

Ian Francombe, sales director at Octane Finance, has already seen the cameras become victims of vandalism in the boroughs of Bromley and Sutton.

He said: "I've lived in the areas of Orpington and Sevenoaks all of my life; we don't suffer with particularly heavy congestion here, and many of the locals rely on their cars as the public transport isn't great when you head out to Orpington's rural borders."

According to Transport for London, failing to pay the £12.50 ULEZ charge results in a £180 fine.