Almost 9,500 Londoners die prematurely due to toxic air
Almost 9,500 Londoners die prematurely each year as a result of air pollution in the capital new figures from Kings College London have shown. Local London Assembly Member Joanne McCartney AM said that the research demonstrates how bad air quality in London had become and called on the Mayor to finally get “get serious” about tackling air pollution.
Ms McCartney said that the Mayor needed to take tangible steps to improve London’s air quality including allowing London boroughs to opt into the new ultra-low emissions zone which will charge the worst polluting cars for entering central London from 2020.
London Assembly Member Joanne McCartney said:
“This research demonstrates that air pollution is one of the most serious public health emergencies facing London. Despite almost 9,500 Londoners dying every year, the Mayor has dithered and delayed when it comes to tackling our toxic air.
“It’s time for the Mayor to get serious about air quality, that means expanding the proposed ultra-low emissions zone and allowing London boroughs to opt in should they wish. It should be an indisputable right of residents in Haringey to breathe clean air, not an optional extra as the Mayor is currently treating it.”
Notes to editors
Notes
- Joanne McCartney is the Assembly Member for Enfield and Haringey.
- The research by King’s College London is available here.