Nitrogen oxide pollution from diesel vehicles is 23% higher outside London’s current ultra-low emissions zone (ULEZ), a new study by the Environmental Defense Fund Europe.

The study found that the five worst pollution hotspots are all outside the ULEZ, with the Broadway in Ealing ranked worst for toxic air.

The ULEZ will be expanded from Central London up to, but not including, the North and South Circular Roads from October 2021. 

Environmental Defense Fund Policy and Campaigns chief Oliver Lord said London needs ‘more ambition at local level’ to tackle toxic air.

The Government must also end diesel car sales ‘sooner rather than later’ he said, with the organisation, the fund is calling for a 2030 cut off for the toxic vehicles.

“There is no hiding from the magnitude of pollution from diesel cars,” Mr Lord said. “Increasing car ownership and a lack of policy in outer London could leave us in danger of dividing communities, and some of the most deprived neighbourhoods are at risk of being left behind in the fight for clean air.”

The ULEZ is separate from the Low Emission Zone (LEZ), which applies to commercial vehicles London-wide.

“Some of the most deprived neighbourhoods are at risk of being left behind in the fight for clean air.  We need more ambition at a local level and for the government to give us all the certainty that diesel has had its day, sooner rather than later,” added Mr Lord.