Residents say they are shocked by plans for potential ULEZ style motorist fees and say they are angered by how they find out about the news.

Epping Forest Council has begun to discuss plans to charge roads users in Epping Forest in what officials have described as a “necessary” move to defend the environment and secure National England’s backing for any development in the area.

The council insists there will be a full public consultation before any of the plans are made concrete.

The ULEZ style Clean Air Zone, known as the Interim Air Pollution Mitigation Strategy, would be put in place by 2025, if proposals are agreed to, council documents say.

However, residents are angered at the lack of communication and feel blindsided by the proposals.

Waltham Abbey resident Ann Marston said she was horrified by the proposals.

“We live in Waltham Abbey and as a disabled older person our only way of getting anywhere is by car”, she said. “My daughter lives with us an runs a small mobile business of course this has already suffered due to the pandemic. This charge will absolutely finish her.

“It will also isolate us from family in Loughton, family visiting us too. Our other family lives in. Southend so that again will cause problems for visits.

She added: “The charge has nothing to do with cleaning the air and everything to do with giving the green light to overdevelopment.”

The council claims that 400 planned new home are awaiting permission for development – with permission reliant on the council meeting National England’s air pollution mitigation targets.

Dave Sparks, a Waltham Abbey resident of 33 years, also felt the proposals would lead to overdevelopment.

He said: “There really does need to be a vote of no confidence aimed at the council as they have stated that by introducing the CAZ will reduce emissions yet are planning on letting development take place within or near to the SAC.”

Toni Rose, who lives in Forest Road, Loughton, says she is worried her road – which leads to Epping New Road – will become a “rat run” for drivers avoiding any potential fee.

“I think if a charge comes in, my road will become a way of escaping going through”, she said.

“The road is already dangerous, so even a slight change would be bad. Drivers already speed down here and there are a lot of kids living on the road and a lot of people with cats that will be in even more danger.”

Council documents state Epping New Road, and its bust roundabouts such as Wake Arms, would be targeted by any potential scheme to protect the forest’s Oak tree population and rare lichen.

Many residents raised feared, if the proposals were put into place, they would have to buy new cars to meet the new regulations.

The council has stated a pricing scheme has yet to be determined, but council documents state any scheme would “encourage motorists to replace older vehicles with newer vehicles”.

“I only bought a car last year, only to now find out the new car I have got may not be emissions compliant for where I live. Its deeply frustrating, I am worried and I can’t go out and afford an electric car.”

Epping residents Mike Morris said: “We are being priced out of the area because we don’t have the funds to keep updating our vehicles to comply with ever increasing measures.”