Amid the national debate over harmful advertising at Euston Station, Caroline Russell AM questioned the Mayor directly about his failure to change Transport for London's (TfL) advertising policy, specifically regarding its continued support for fossil-fuel related advertising across its network. [1]
In her discussion with him, Caroline pointed to the lack of progress the Mayor has made since he pledged to “do much better” in removing fossil-fuel ads in 2019. [2] Caroline pushed the Mayor to acknowledge London's lagging position as an environmental leader, particularly when set against the United Nations’ effort to end to fossil fuel advertising, with bans already in place in UK cities like Edinburgh and Sheffield, and even the London Borough of Hackney passing a motion do so. [3]
Following the exchange, Green Party London Assembly Member Caroline Russell said:
“Over 200 fossil fuel ad campaigns have run on the TfL network since the Mayor pledged to transform London into a ‘zero carbon city’. [4]
“We all agree we shouldn’t be profiting from or promoting weapons, cigarettes, or authoritarian regimes on our public transport – why is the Mayor treating deadly fossil fuels any differently?
“The Mayor’s failure to live up to his own environmental standards is more than troubling – it’s an alarming decision I hope to see corrected in the immediate future.”
Caroline’s full exchange with the Mayor can be viewed here.
Notes to editors
[1] Euston station advertising board switched off
[2] News from Caroline Russell: Mayor admits 'we can do much better' on TfL’s renewable energy
[3] Ban fossil fuel ads to save climate, says UN chief ; Edinburgh introduces landmark ban on advertisements for fossil fuels and arms manufacturers ; Sheffield City Council bans fossil fuel ads ; Green Group Motion: Include a Ban on High-Carbon Advertising in the Council’s Advertising and Sponsorship Policy
[4] Over 200 fossil fuel ad campaigns shown on TfL network since Sadiq Khan set out ‘zero carbon’ goal