The poor condition of London’s air could have contributed to the deaths of 3,000 in one year, a new report by the London Assembly reveals.
The report, entitled Every Breath You Take and due to be published on Friday, says bold action from Mayor Boris Johnson could improve the air quality, helping create a healthier London and saving money for the National Health Service.
However, the Assembly says experts and academics have questioned Mayor Johnson’s approach to tackling air pollution and have questioned whether his policies will improve London’s quality sufficiently to meet the EU targets.
The Assembly is calling on the Mayor to investigate the use of biofuel for all public transport modes, install information screens so the public can view real time pollution levels and act as a co-ordinator with central government and London’s boroughs to ensure the necessary policies are developed and implemented.
Darren Johnson AM, Chair of the Environment Committee said: “London’s air pollution is a serious problem now and for future generations. Despite action at borough, regional and national level, the capital is still failing to meet air quality targets. Reducing air pollution is not just about improving the environment in some abstract way. Our report shows that it’s about saving lives.”
