London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) could be expanded to cover most of the capital by next year under new plans.
To date the ULEZ in central London has helped halve lethal nitrogen dioxide by the roadside, the mayor’s office said in a report by the BBC.
It said, ‘filthy air’ factored in about 4,000 premature deaths in 2019 – the greatest number in outer London, it said.
Data suggests the plan could deter more than 100,000 of the most polluting cars daily, but some MPs fear extra charges will worsen the cost of living crisis.
Transport for London (TfL) has started a consultation on expanding the ULEZ from 23 August next year, with the main aim of tackling toxic air quality, the BBC report went on to say.
The highest number of early deaths linked to poor air quality were in Bromley, Barnet, Havering and Croydon, and it is estimated harmful emissions could cost the NHS and social care £10.4bn over the next 30 years if no further action is taken, the mayor’s office said.
