It is reported today that the A406 through South Woodford is one of the most polluted places in the UK, and that the levels of nitrogen dioxide are almost four times the legal limit on the stretch near Charlie Brown’s roundabout.

Despite this the Mayor of London Boris Johnson intends NOT to implement the Ultra-Low Emission Zone until 2020.  Last week the European Commission launched legal proceedings against the UK for its failure to meet nitrogen dioxide limits.

Commenting on this Stephen Knight AM, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly environment spokesperson, said:

“The decision taken by the European Commission to launch legal proceedings against the UK for its failure to meet nitrogen dioxide limits represents a significant step forward in the fight for clean air in London.

 “Not only are thousands of people dying prematurely due to air pollution but there is now the real prospect that the UK will face heavy fines that could be passed on to London.

 “The Government and the Mayor of London should stop trying to get around European laws on air pollution and instead start taking decisive action to tackle the causes of air pollution in our capital.

 “For a start, the Mayor of London must implement an Ultra Low Emission Zone urgently, and not wait until 2020 as he currently plans.”