Andrew Dismore

Dear Editor,

 

The poor air quality in London is a public health emergency. After years of inaction from the previous Conservative Mayor, we now have some of the most polluted air in Europe. Experts attribute nearly 10,000 premature deaths a year and a wide range of other serious health problems to the poor air quality in our city. The lungs of London’s  children are not developing properly. This is tragic and it is shameful.

 

Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan makes no apologies for wanting to tackle this crisis. He is extending the forthcoming ultra-low emission zone beyond the congestion zone up to the North Circular. This will benefit 3.8 million Londoners, as opposed to the 136,000 that live in the current central London congestion zone. He is introducing a T ( for toxic) -charge to discourage the dirtiest and most polluting vehicles from travelling into central London, on the same time and geographic  boundaries as the current congestion zone. He is lobbying the government for a diesel scrappage scheme. In short, he is taking much needed radical action to stop this silent killer.

 

If we take no action, we display a willingness to overlook the need to protect some of the most vulnerable people in our city – including our children. Action is required, and it is required now.

 

Yours,

 

Andrew Dismore AM

London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden