I had to take out £10,000 loan to buy new van because I live a few feet outside ULEZ – it’s financially wrecked us
A WINDOW fitter had to take out a £10,000 loan to buy a new van — as he lives a few feet outside Sadiq Khan’s ultra-low emission zone.
Ian Balm, 47, could not benefit from the scrappage scheme for upgrading his 2008-plate Vauxhall Vivaro.
The self-employed dad of three lives on the side of his street which falls just outside London — so is not eligible and has to meet the full cost himself.
He said the £200-a-month repayments on his loan mean he has had to postpone a hip operation and holiday plans.
Ian said: “Financially, this has absolutely wrecked us. There’s no other way of looking at it.
“We were already feeling the pinch in every aspect with the cost-of-living crisis. And then Mayor Sadiq Khan comes up with such a stupid idea.”
Ian lives in a road on the border between Kent and London.
Those on one side of the street are in the borough of Bexley and can benefit from up to £9,500 in scrappage grant.
But he is on the Dartford side and cannot claim the cash.
He also reckons he got £2,000 less than he should have done selling his old van because it was not Ulez compliant.
Ian, married to teaching assistant Andrea, said: “I’d only had it 18 months. There was nothing wrong with it.
“We haven’t had a holiday for a few years, so we’d saved up a little bit, but then Ulez kicked in and it was either a holiday or a new van.
“It’s had a huge impact on my health as well. I’m waiting for a full hip replacement as mine is deformed. Walking about every day is painful now.”