Matthew has joined with Barnet's two other MPs to urge the Labour Leader of Barnet Council to refuse permission for the Mayor of London to install cameras and other infrastructure which will impose the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) on residents of Barnet.

Residents and businesses who are unable to buy a car or other vehicle which is new enough to be exempt from the ULEZ charge will have to pay £12.50 per day to drive in the borough.

Matthew said: "I want to improve the air quality in London as much as anyone but this is the wrong proposal at the wrong time with people anxious about the cost of living.

"There is no indication that the expansion will deliver the environmental benefits the Mayor claims but it will have a detrimental impact on our town centres and make employment in outer London boroughs less attractive.

"Other local authorities in London are exploring the legal options to prevent this unpopular and unnecessary tax and with my fellow MPs, I am urging Barnet Council to do the same."