Filth hurts all Londoners

Published: 9 July, 2010

• A NEW study carried out for the London mayor show that air pollution is not just an inner-London problem, but one that affects all Londoners.

His reaction to the estimated 4,300 premature deaths a year from air pollution is a mixture of delay and backward steps.

He has already let black cabs off the hook by abolishing mid-year inspections, which previously fixed 2,300 of the most polluting taxis.

He has also suspended phase three of the London Low Emission Zone, delaying action against polluting vans for two years.

I urge readers to respond to the consultation on the western extension zone of the congestion charge, which has been successful in reducing emissions, congestion and air pollution for residents living within the zone.

The mayor aims to abolish the zone which will not only increase traffic in the area but also deprive London of £55million a year income.

If we kept the western extension this money could be used to pay for the conversion of the most polluting light goods vehicles in London and thereby help improve the health of Londoners.

The consultation can be found at www.cclondon.com

DARREN JOHNSON AM
Green Party Member
London Assembly