The cancellation of the Bromley Pageant of Motoring event due to the expansion of ULEZ has ignited passionate debate among News Shopper readers on Facebook.

The annual event has been popular among motorists and classic car enthusiasts for the last 40 years - and many Bromley residents were frustrated at the news that it has been cancelled for 2024.

One reader Ronnie Hawkett said: "Vile man [Sadiq] Khan won't be happy until he gets everything traditionally British cancelled."

Another reader agreed, saying of the Mayor of London: "It’s terrible he is ruining the way of life in and around London needs to go as soon as possible."

Some contributors voiced opposing views in the discussion, while debating the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone.

One resident Joseph Moore argued that the ULEZ was "brought in by Johnson when he was mayor" and added that those objecting to the ULEZ should "understand why it exists and who is responsible".

In response, Mike Huber argued that the decision to expand into Bromley was "Khan's decision alone".

News Shopper: Organisers have claimed that the annual event is one of the biggest one-day classic car shows in the world - and they are working on plans to bring it back next year Organisers have claimed that the annual event is one of the biggest one-day classic car shows in the world - and they are working on plans to bring it back next year

Conversations also revolved around the impact of the ULEZ expansion on old and classic vehicles.

Gary Bragg noted his understanding was that "any car that's 50 years old (classic car) is exempt from the ULEZ charge".

In response, Julian Heap said that "any vehicle that is 40 years old or older is ULEZ exempt, so anything 1984 or older".

Another Bromley resident also suggested that the exemption might not matter because "the people who come to the pageant drive cars that do not comply, so they won’t come".

Readers also expressed desire for new alternatives.

Connor Parsfield suggested the previous 'park it in the market' car show at the Greenwich market as a potential substitute for the cancelled event.

A statement on the Bromley Pageant of Motoring official Facebook page confirmed the event's cancellation this year.

While the organisers, Pippa and Jason, wrote that they had made the “difficult decision“ to cancel the pageant, they remained hopeful for a revival in 2025.

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: “The majority of classic cars are exempt from the ULEZ charge.  

"This strikes a balance between allowing rallies to continue and cleaning up London’s toxic air.

"The Mayor has been clear that the decision to expand the Ultra Low Emission Zone London-wide was not an easy one, but necessary to tackle toxic air pollution and the climate crisis.

"95 per cent of all vehicles seen driving across London on an average day now meet clean air standards and do not need to pay."