Sadiq Khan today promised to double spending on cleaning up London’s poisonous air to £875 million over the next five years.
The Mayor said that “bold action” was needed to combat pollution, and challenged the Government to prove they shared his ambition.
He has called on ministers to bring in a national diesel scrappage scheme and reform vehicle excise duty — making it less attractive to buy polluting cars — as well as giving London more powers to tackle poor air quality.
Mr Khan said: “With nearly 10,000 Londoners dying early every year due to air pollution, tackling poor air quality is a public health emergency that requires bold action.
“London’s air quality continues to breach legal levels, which is why I have taken this unprecedented action. The onus is now on the Government to prove that they share my ambition.”
The funding increase from £425 million for the period to 2021/22, ahead of the publication of the new Transport for London business plan tomorrow, was welcomed by campaigners.
Dr Samantha Walker from Asthma UK said: “It is clear that action is needed and we welcome the extra investment to help clean up the air we breathe.”
