Breathe better by not polluting the air
Data released by Transport for London (TfL) shows that nine in 10 cars seen driving in outer London on an average day meet the Ultra Low Emission Zone standards.
The scheme, will expand London-wide from August 29 this year.
While the vast majority of those driving in the capital after the end of August will not need to take any action, TfL is advising people to use its vehicle checker to see if they will be affected.
ULEZ is vital in tackling the triple threats of air pollution, the climate emergency and congestion, and will ensure five million more people can breathe cleaner air.
About four thousand Londoners die prematurely each year as a result of toxic pollution and can lead to stunted lungs in children and a higher risk of dementia in older people.
With a disproportionate number of deaths attributed to pollution in the outer boroughs, and more than half of the capital’s 500,000 asthma suffers living outside of central and inner London, it is essential the ULEZ is extended beyond its current boundaries.
The Mayor has launched a scrappage scheme worth £110million to support smaller businesses, sole traders, charities, Londoners on lower incomes and disabled Londoners to replace their older, more polluting vehicles with greener alternatives.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “I have always been clear with Londoners that the aim of the ULEZ is to get the most polluting vehicles off our roads in order to protect both the health of Londoners and our environment.”
Christina Calderato, TfL’s director of transport strategy and policy, said: “There is an imperative to clean up the capital’s toxic air given the impacts on public health and deaths attributable to pollution.”
Jemima Hartshorn, founder of Mums for Lungs said: “London’s toxic air is harming children’s health, stunting their lung growth and causing asthma.
“ We can all celebrate that children are beginning to breathe easier.
Silviya Barrett, director of policy and research, Campaign from Better Transport said: “We welcome the Mayor’s investment in buses and the scrappage scheme which will support low-income households transition to greener transport.
“We hope that lots of people will take up the scheme’s offer of an annual bus or tram pass and experience the benefits of public transport.”
Transport for London
by email
Picture: TfL
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