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Two of the groups most exposed to London’s bad-quality air have supported Greenpeace’s proposal for a Clean Air Zone in the capital.
A new survey published today also shows that 62% of Londoners would back the scheme – including a strong majority of car owners.
The city’s dangerous air has brought together cabbies, cyclists and Greenpeace to support a proposal for a Clean Air Zone in London. The results of a new poll, commissioned by Greenpeace and released today, demonstrate the high levels of concern around air pollution in the city. More than half of Londoners (51 percent) are very concerned about bad-quality air.
Ashok Sinha of the London Cycling Campaign (LCC) recently met Steve McNamara – General Secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) – to agree a joint approach to air pollution. The two leaders met at the London headquarters of Greenpeace where they both signed on to a proposal for a large city-wide Clean Air Zone that will phase out the most polluting vehicles off the roads and protect more Londoners from the impacts of air pollution.
Taxi drivers and cyclists are among the groups most exposed to dangerous and illegal levels of air pollution. The Clean Air Zone they’re now backing would offer protection to many more Londoners than those who live or work in zone 1 – the limited area covered by the proposed Ultra Low Emissions Zone that is due to come into force in 2020.
Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the LTDA said: “As cabbies, we are subjected to the worst of London’s poor air – driving around in illegal levels of pollution on a daily basis. With congestion on the rise due to the spiralling number of Private Hire Vehicles, London’s air quality is only going to get worse unless clear action is taken.
"Black cabs are committed to cleaning up London’s air and will be emissions free in new vehicles from 2018. We stand together with the London Cycling Campaign and Greenpeace in calling on the next Mayor to implement a Clear Air Zone to ensure that other vehicles operating in the capital clean up their act.”
