A HIGH WYCOMBE motorist and classic car owner said he may have to take out a loan as London’s ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) expansion came into force this week.

The expansion of the Ulez scheme on August 29 has been labelled “the death of the modern classic car”.

One owner said he would be in debt because he would have to take out a loan to buy a new car.

ULEZ means vehicles that do not meet minimum emissions standards within the zone are charged £12.50 daily, and failure to pay can lead to a fine of £180, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.

Paul Tucker, a 52-year-old vehicle bodyfitter, said he will have to take out a loan to buy a new car and will be in debt because of Ulez.

Mr Tucker, from Northolt, West London, uses his 1998 Peugeot 106 Rally to commute to work in High Wycombe and has owned it for more than 15 years.

He said: “I feel targeted, it’s just another money-making scheme and if the mayor was serious he’d issue a complete ban.

“I need a car to get to work and I can’t afford one outright so I’m going to have to take out a loan to buy one. I’m going to be in debt because of Ulez.

“A lot of people are going to suffer because of this scheme.”