The 15 month delay in the introduction of stage 3 of the Low Emission Zone contributed to 2011 being one of the worst years for air pollution since the pollution spike in 2003, according to Darren Johnson, AM. Action against the most polluting light goods vehicles travelling in London was delayed when the current Mayor stopped it going ahead in October 2010.
Provisional figures from the Marylebone Road monitoring station show that pollution there exceeded the European limit values on 57 days last year. Only the granting of a time extension and a loop hole in the rules, has enabled the UK Government to avoid being taken to court this year for exceeding the 35 bad air days normally allowed.
Darren Johnson AM said:
"There is growing medical evidence that air pollution is hurting the health of Londoners with premature deaths and long term impacts on children’s lung capacity. The delay in acting against the most polluting light vans has contributed to London’s appalling air pollution during the last year. The mayor has even made things worse because of his backward steps on six monthly inspections for black cabs and the abolition of the western extension of the congestion charge."
"Despite the delay in action on polluting light vans, the mayor has failed to help out hard pressed individuals and small businesses by funding a targeted scrappage and conversion scheme. Black cabs were promised help to update their cabs, but the £1m low emission taxi fund appears to have vanished, along with the ambitious plans for electric and hydrogen cabs in the future."
