9,400 reasons for faster action to tackle air pollution in London

Last week King's College, London revealed that air pollution causes 9,400 premature deaths in London every year and impact on the health of many more including those the commute to or visit the capital.

"This report more than triples the previous estimate of deaths caused by air pollution in London and confirms that this is the biggest public health killer second only to smoking.

"The 9,400 Londoners who face an early grave due to air pollution provides 9,400 reasons why faster action needs to be taken to tackle air pollution.

"It is highly disappointing that only last week the Chancellor's Budget failed to reform Vehicle Excise Duty to discourage more polluting diesel vehicles.

"It is equally disappointing that the Mayor's proposals to tackle air pollution in London have been so timid since he came to office in 2008. A big switch towards zero emission electric buses and taxis, not diesel hybrids, is now vital in London. Bringing forward the start date of the Ultra Low Emission Zone and real moves to tackle air pollution in places such as Oxford Street must now happen."

This week Stephen also helped launch a report from the London Assembly Environment Committee, which he chaired last year. The report 'Driving away from diesel: Reducing air pollution from diesel vehicles - examines London's efforts to reduce pollution from diesel cars, lorries, buses and taxis.

The report makes recommendations to ensure NO2 compliance in London as soon as possible, in order to clean up the capital's air quality.

Full details of the London Assembly report can be seen here.