Caroline Russell AM persuades the Mayor to push Government on climate-damaging TfL ads

Following questioning from Green Party London Assembly Member Caroline Russell, the Mayor has said he will push the government for national guidance on advertising policies to cover fossil fuels.

This development comes after Caroline challenged the Mayor to take action on the continuing tide of adverts promoting fossil fuels and frequent flights across London’s transport network, warning that Londoners are being bombarded with messages that directly contradict the Mayor’s own clean-air and climate commitments.

Despite policies like the ULEZ and the Congestion Charge, Caroline told the Mayor that TfL’s advertising spaces are still being used to promote the very behaviours the Mayor is trying to reduce.

The Green Assembly Member also reminded the Mayor of the CAP Code (Rule 30.7), which states that advertising “must not encourage behaviour grossly prejudicial to the protection of the environment” and referenced best practice cities such as Gothenburg, which does not allow fossil fuel advertising on its public transport system. [1] [2]

Green Party London Assembly Member Caroline Russell AM said:

“If we can rightfully ban cigarette ads because they harm public health, why are we still allowing advertising that poisons our air and accelerates the climate crisis?

“Londoners are bombarded with messages promoting polluting SUVs and frequent flights, while we simultaneously urge them to cut emissions and protect our environment.

“TfL’s advertising spaces should not be working against our climate goals. The Mayor has both the tools and the authority to curb this harmful messaging, and I welcome his commitment to take action and push the Government for national guidance.”