Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, commenting ahead of the Mayor’s launch of proposals to clean up London’s toxic air which are being announced on the 60th anniversary of the 1956 Clean Air Act said:
“Radical measures to tackle air pollution cannot come soon enough in London.”
“Every year air pollution sends 10,000 Londoners to an early grave. It impacts especially on the health of young children, in some cases even stunting the development of their lungs. At the same time it hits many vulnerable people with respiratory and other health considerations.
“I have long supported the Mayor’s proposals to extend the Ultra-Low Emission Zone and to include an extra payment on the Congestion Charge for the most polluting vehicles entering central London.
“Yet while these measures are important they still do not go far enough.
“In addition to the Mayor’s proposals we need a package of other measures, starting with a rapid switch to zero emission electric vehicles. This must mean an extensive network of rapid charging points across London. It is also vital for TfL to bulk purchase new electric taxis to help drive down their price and then lease or sell them on to taxi drivers and garages.
“Other policies are also necessary such as dropping plans for the Silvertown Tunnel, which will merely generate more traffic, through to ensuring that the Enderby Cruise terminal only permits boats to use on shore electric power when berthed.
“The adoption of all these policies are necessary if we are to match the commitment that was shown to tackle air pollution in London 60 years ago.”