Greens on the London Assembly have welcomed Mayor Sadiq Khan’s assurances that “nothing is off the table” when it comes to cleaning up London’s poor air quality.
Airborne pollution is estimated to contribute to around 10,000 premature deaths every year, and the Mayor has repeatedly listed tackling this as a priority for his administration.
Since taking office in May, Mr Khan has announced plans to clean up London’s bus fleet, confirmed that older polluting vehicles will be charged for entering central London and consulted on bringing forward the Ultra Low Emission Zone – first approved by former Mayor Boris Johnson – which will charge drivers whose vehicles add to air pollution.
Greens on the Assembly say the ULEZ, which Mr Khan has suggested could come into operation in 2019 rather than in 2020 as first proposed, should cover more of the capital’s roads.
At Wednesday’s Mayor’s Question Time Mr Khan told Green Assembly Member Caroline Russell that he would consider asking Londoners whether they backed expanding the zone when Transport for London next consults on its start date.
Speaking after the meeting, Ms Russell said: “The Mayor’s answer was promising and I hope he does make sure the question on whether Londoners want the ULEZ to cover the whole of London for all vehicles is included in the consultation.
“Air pollution can’t be reduced just in central London – pollution monitors from all around London show illegal breaches, not just in the centre.
“It’s only fair that all Londoners can trust the air they breathe and outer Londoners should have a chance to benefit from cleaner air too.”
