Met police vows to combat protests against London’s Ulez rollout

Threats of violence as ultra-low emission zone expansion begins - but mayor defends it as essential for health

Read more: how Ulez expansion is affecting lives of Londoners

The Metropolitan police has vowed to throw considerable resources" at protecting this week's expansion of the ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) amid fears the rollout will prompt a spike in vandalism and disruptive protests.

The force's declaration came as London mayor Sadiq Khan issued a fierce defence of his bitterly contested policy, saying he was acting to tackle toxic air" and prevent the capital's children growing up with stunted lungs".