Dangerous levels of ozone and dust pollution could cut the lifespan of Londoners by ten years experts warned today. Many of London’s outer boroughs have dangerously high levels of pollution. Kingston, Hounslow, Richmond, Bromley, Thurrock and Brent are some of the worst boroughs for ozone pollution and Enfield, Bexley, Redbridge, Kinston and Hounslow have consistently dangerous levels of dust pollution.
Darren Johnson, Green Party Mayoral Candidate said, "These pollutants can cause respiratory and lung disease and could trigger an epidemic of asthma, heart and lung problems. That is why I have proposed that the congestion charging be extended throughout London, with a 90% reduction for local residents. We do not want commuters from outside London traveling through London and contributing to Londoners ill health and potential demise."
The research was carried out by Kings College, London and showed that levels of low level ozone reached the highest levels since records began. Dust pollution levels were also dangerously high on 60 days last year.
Dr Roy Colville, pollution expert at Imperial College, London confirmed that statistics have shown an increase in the number of people dying on high pollution days.
Darren Johnson concluded, "Greens take these issues very seriously and are the only party that is prepared to put forward measures to tackle pollution on this scale. We want a zero emissions policy, safer streets, less congestion and quality of life for all Londoners. We are determined to ensure that Londoners live in a city that is truly sustainable and to that end we will take measures that protect Londoners health. No less than a vote for the Greens will achieve this."
Greens in the European Parliament led by Jean Lambert, London’s Green MEP have made sustainable cities a priority.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
· Darren Johnson is 38 and was selected as the Green Party’s candidate for Mayor of London in May 2003. He was elected to the London Assembly in May 2000 where he is Leader of the Green Party Group. He was also elected to Lewisham Council in May 2002.
· The Mayoral election will be held on June 10th at the same time as the elections for the London Assembly and the European Parliament. At the last Assembly elections the Greens scored one of their best ever results in the Party’s history, securing 11.1% of the vote across London and winning three seats on the 25-member Assembly.
· Darren Johnson’s vision for a sustainable Green London can be found on his website www.johnsonformayor.org.uk
· Jean Lambert is London’s Green Member of the European Parliament and she is No 1 on the list for the London Green Party. Her website is www.jeanlambertmep.org.uk
· Green Party Assembly Members are Cllr. Darren Johnson AM, Deputy Mayor Jenny Jones AM and Noel Lynch AM
· Biographies for all candidates are available from London Press Officer, Penny Kemp 07711 760692 or penny.kemp@virgin.net
· Published and promoted by Chris Cotton on behalf of London Green Party both at 1a Waterlow Road, London N19 5NJ
· Printed by Penny Kemp, Press Officer on behalf of London Green Party at 1a Waterlow Rd, London N19 5NJ
Further information, interviews:
Penny Kemp 07711 760692
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