Today, the Mayor announced a new air quality analysis system where Londoners can find out what the air quality is like in their community.
In response, Chair of the London Assembly Environment Committee, Caroline Russell AM, said:
“London has a serious issue when it comes to air pollution. We know the current levels of air pollution have a negative impact for Londoners both in central London and in the surrounding areas.
“A major contributor to the poor air quality in the capital is the number of planes flying relentlessly above us. The London Assembly Environment Committee heard from Heathrow Airport this morning about its plans to help combat some of the environmental impacts that the planned Heathrow expansion would bring. The plans proposed are not enough. Heathrow expansion is bad for Londoners, the UK and the planet and the London Assembly is strongly opposed to it.
“The expansion will not only impact air pollution caused by the increased number of planes but also the increased number of vehicles carrying passengers to and from the airport. That double whammy of more planes and cars is seriously concerning. Heathrow expansion fundamentally goes against the UK’s commitment to cut carbon emissions and improve air quality in the capital.”
Notes to editors
- Caroline Russell AM, Chair of the Environment Committee, is available for interview.
- Find out more about the London Assembly Environment Committee.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Aoife Nolan on 020 7983 4067. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.