EU announcement is a wake up call to tackle London's appalling air quality

Enfield Liberal Democrats <info@enfieldlibdems.org.uk>

EU announcement is a wake up call to tackle London's appalling air quality - Mike Tuffrey

June 3, 2010 12:59 PM
Originally published by London Assembly Liberal Democrats

Mike Tuffrey, Liberal Democrat London Assembly environment spokesperson, commenting on today's announcement by the European Commission to issue a final warning to the UK and to pursue legal action against the UK Government over breaches in air quality standards said:

"This announcement must act as a real wake up call to both central Government and the Mayor of London. This decision is just one further reason for the creation of a Clean Air Zone for central London where the oldest and most polluting diesel engines cannot enter central London."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. Air pollution is one of London's biggest health issues leading to the early death of at least 4,000 Londoners each year. Poor air quality can reduce the lung size of our children and aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma as we well as increasing the risk of strokes and heart attacks amongst older people.

2. The proposed Clean Air Zone for central London would involve using the Congestion Charge zone area and the cameras in the Western Extension to ensure that the oldest and most polluting diesel engines are not allowed to enter central London. For further details of how the scheme would work see:

http://www.gla.libdems.org.uk/resources/sites/217.160.173.25-3e54d44dcb2780.65885247/Clean+Air+Zone.pdf