Meet Risky Phil: UK’s Leading Anti-ULEZ Campaigner

In the midst of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expanding to cover all of Greater London, we had the opportunity to sit down with Phil Elliott, the founder of UK Unites, a campaign group that aims to unite people against what they perceive as unjust and unnecessary political interference. Fresh from organizing a major protest against the ULEZ expansion, Elliott shared his thoughts and motivations behind his activism.

The ULEZ expansion has been met with mixed reactions, particularly from drivers and bikers who feel unfairly targeted by the new regulations. At a recent protest organized by Elliott, hundreds of bikers gathered in front of an old London bus adorned with banners and signs expressing their opposition to the ULEZ. The crowd was addressed by Howard Cox, Reform UK’s candidate for London mayor, and Lembit Öpik, former Liberal Democrat MP and spokesman for the Motorcycle Action Group, both of whom voiced their support for the anti-ULEZ movement.

But who is Risky Phil, and why is he so passionate about fighting against the ULEZ? Elliott’s involvement in this campaign dates back to 2008 when London’s Low Emission Zone was implemented. As a truck-recovery business owner at the time, he felt that the new regulations threatened his livelihood. Despite his attempts to fight back, Elliott’s business eventually folded because he couldn’t afford to upgrade his truck to meet the new emission standards.

This experience left Elliott determined to push back against what he sees as meddlesome politicians interfering with people’s lives and livelihoods. The expansion of the ULEZ and the potential introduction of pay-per-mile road charging as a replacement for vehicle excise duty and fuel duty further fueled his opposition. Elliott believes that these measures are primarily money-raising exercises and fears that the emission standards will continue to rise, leaving even more vehicles subject to charges.

During our interview, Elliott shared the list of people he communicates with through a WhatsApp group, which includes popular social media figures, campaigners, and a few politicians. The purpose of this group is to share information and ideas related to their opposition to the ULEZ. While some members may have a tendency towards conspiracy theories, Elliott stands by his belief that there is often truth behind these theories, albeit with a time delay.

Despite the ULEZ expansion moving forward and even the RAC advising London councils to erect ULEZ signs for sufficient warning, Elliott remains optimistic. He believes that Sadiq Khan, the current mayor of London, won’t be in office forever and that a “Titanic moment” is fast approaching. This moment refers to the realization that the ULEZ and its associated regulations may not be as beneficial as initially thought, leading to a potential shift in public opinion.

Elliott’s passion for fighting against what he perceives as unjust political interference is evident in his dedication to organizing protests and raising awareness about the ULEZ. He acknowledges the impact these regulations have on individuals, such as a father who ended up with a significant debt after purchasing a non-compliant van for his disabled son.

While opinions on the ULEZ may vary, Risky Phil’s commitment to standing up against what he sees as unnecessary political interference remains unwavering. As the ULEZ continues to expand and affect more individuals, it will be interesting to see how this movement evolves and whether it will have any lasting impact on future policies and regulations.