Strict new fines for drivers in London are working “better than expected”, according to a new report. Mayor Sadiq Khan has explained how his TfL ULEZ extension rollout – which sees £180 fines for some motorists – is having the desired effect.
It comes as levels of air pollution in the capital have dropped by more than 10 per cent. According to a new report from City Hall, nitrogen oxide emissions from cars dropped by 13 per cent since last August, while van emissions fell seven per cent, says the Birmingham Mail.
The lower pollution levels equate to as many as 200,000 vehicles being removed from roads for one year. In total, 1,348,938 penalties have been issued since the expansion. Commenting on the figures, Khan said: “The decision to expand the ULEZ London-wide was a difficult one, but necessary to save lives, protect children’s lungs and help reduce the risk of Londoners developing asthma, dementia and a host of other health issues.
“Today’s report shows that the Ulez is working even better than expected. The expansion to outer London is already having a significant effect – driving down levels of pollution, taking old polluting cars off our roads and bringing cleaner air to millions more Londoners.”
Meanwhile, TfL director of strategy Christina Calderato explained that London is “leading the way in improving air quality”. “With the greatest number of deaths attributable to air pollution occurring in outer London, it’s great to see these results since the Ulez was introduced London-wide,” she said.
