A famous annual car event from London to Brighton could take place for the last time this year with organisers blaming the 2023 expansion of the capital’s Ultra Low Emission Zone.

The London to Brighton Mini Run takes place every spring and sees more than 2,000 owners of the iconic British car travel the 45-mile journey in convoy.

The run started in 1986 attracting 220 cars and has grown to attract more than 2,000 Mini Cooper enthusiasts.

In 2022, the start point for the event was moved from Crystal Palace Park to Cheam Recreation Ground.

The park is outside of the current ULEZ area but from August 29 the zone, which charges the most polluting cars £12.50 a day, will cover the whole of London.

A post from the organisers on Facebook reads: “If it’s always been on your bucket list of things to do one year, then I’d recommend getting a ticket for this year, or you may miss the amazing experience.

“Sadly I have to announce this is probably going to be the last London to Brighton Mini Run due to the extension of the ULEZ.”

The ULEZ charge applies to cars which do not meet emissions standards, usually meaning petrol cars made before 2006 and diesel vehicles made before 2015 will be affected.

There is an exemption for some classic cars from the charge. These are cars which are registered under the historic tax class, this is available for cars built before 1979.

The ultra low emission zone is being expanded with the aim of combating pollution, the climate emergency and congestion.

However, Sutton Council, the borough which covers Cheam Recreation Ground, has come out against the expansion saying it will cut people off from their families and work.

Councillor Barry Lewis, chair of Sutton Council’s environment and sustainable transport committee, said: “This is the wrong decision at this time. Mayor Khan is leaving Londoners high and dry by ignoring Sutton Council, residents and businesses in the ULEZ consultation. His short-sighted expansion of the scheme will cut the people of Sutton off from work, family and security.

“Sutton is proud to be one of London’s most sustainable boroughs. But expanding ULEZ at this time without good bus and train services to outer London boroughs will only isolate people.”