Londoners should avoid unnecessary car travel after pollution warning

LONDON – London Mayor Sadiq Khan has issued a high pollution warning for the UK capital, advising those with lung and heart problems to “avoid physical activity” for the duration of the warning.

The authorities said in a statement that London was facing “imported pollution from the continent along with a buildup of local emissions”. A high pollution warning was issued on Tuesday and also applies to March 23 and 24. This is the first warning since August 2020.

“I urge Londoners to take care of each other by walking, cycling or using public transport, avoiding unnecessary car trips, stopping the engine idling and not burning wood or garden waste all contribute to high levels of pollution.” Khan said. said.

He added that the above was “particularly important to protect those who are more vulnerable to heavy pollution.”

Air pollution is a major problem worldwide. The World Health Organization claims that 4.2 million deaths each year are “as a result of exposure to outdoor (outdoor) air pollution.”

Air pollution in London has become a major topic of conversation in recent years. Earlier this month, it was announced that Khan had asked Transport for London to consult on making the city’s ultra-low emission zone a London-wide area from 2023.

ULEZ was expanded last October to cover a quarter of London and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week except Christmas.

Under the ULEZ, most vehicles that do not meet a certain set of emission standards must pay a daily fee of £12.50 (about $16.53).

The fee for non-compliance is £160, although if paid within 14 days it drops to £80. The ULEZ runs next to the Congestion Charge, which is only in central London and costs £15 per day.

London also has a low emission zone that applies to heavy vehicles of a certain weight that do not meet its standards. These vehicles are not required to pay ULEZ. Authorities have described the LEZ as covering “most of Greater London”.