It is not acceptable that children anywhere in the world are exposed to air pollution which damages their lungs, shortens their lives and limits their potential. It is shocking that a new study published in the Lancet has revealed that children in London are exposed to diesel-dominated air pollution which results in them having approximately 5 per cent less lung capacity.

This is why I am determined to act. I have already introduced the Toxicity charge in central London, delivered seven Low Emission Bus Zones and stopped licensing new diesel taxis. But we need to go further which is why I am introducing the Ultra Low Emission Zone in central London in April 2019 and then will expand it up to the North/South circular in October 2021. I will also apply the ULEZ standards to buses, coaches and lorries across the whole of London.

These efforts are already delivering results, with around an 8% reduction in nitrogen dioxide concentrations in central London since October 2017 when the T-charge began.

To further monitor the impact of these measures I will be using the existing London Air Quality monitoring Network (LAQN) and the London Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (LAEI). Working with C40 I am piloting a new innovative hyper-local monitoring sensor system, combining static, mobile and wearable air quality sensors, to increase the number of locations where we directly monitor air quality, including at schools.