Darren said, "We cannot trust Labour, the Tories or the Liberal Democrats on environmental measures. Under their leadership, whether on the Assembly or on Local Authorities, they have failed Londoners miserably."
Darren continued, "For those with asthma or respiratory illness, high levels of nitrogen dioxide can be dangerous. My rivals for Mayor of London are either prepared to abandon congestion charging or make it easier for the motorist in London by refusing to extend congestion charging across the capital. Some want six lane motorways in East London, more air traffic and new runways and others want high density housing on floodplains. Only the Greens argue for less pollution not more and have the policies to back it up."
Over a third of London households do not own a car and rely on public transport. The Green Group on the London Assembly put forward budget proposals that would increase cycling provision, increase public transport and also deliver a reduction in Londoner’s Council Tax bills.
Greens on the London Assembly have formally asked the European Commission to take action against the British Government for allowing developments which will worsen air quality.
The report also looked at recycling performance, green spaces and the number of cycle paths. In all areas, London performed badly.
Darren Johnson concluded, "This is a sad reflection on the state of London. Green policies would reverse this trend and make London a city where a decent quality of life is enjoyed by all."
NOTES FOR EDITORS
- The report shows that inner London areas like Hackney, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster are worst for air quality.
- The City of London was worst when it came to recycling sending all but 1.011 tonnes of its rubbish to landfill and incineration.
- Bromley had more open spaces than any other Borough.
- London’s poor air quality has been linked with increasing asthma in children and other breathing difficulties. The EU Air Quality Directive requires governments to improve air quality by introducing measures to ensure various pollutant levels comply with international limits. The limits are to be gradually introduced from 2005, but in the meantime governments must implement plans to improve air quality to ensure compliance by the due dates.