Press release
2020 is too late for central London Ultra Low Emission Zone
13 February 2013
Reacting to the Mayor of London Boris Johnson's announcement today (Wednesday 13 February) that he intends to create the world's first Ultra Low Emission Zone in central London, Friends of the Earth London Campaigner Jenny Bates said:
"2020 is far too late for an Ultra Low Emission Zone in central London - EU pollution limits are supposed to be met by 2015.
"Boris Johnson must take action by slashing traffic levels in the city through better public transport and encouraging more Londoners to get on their bikes.
"The Mayor should also pull the plug on short-sighted plans for new Thames river crossings, which will simply add to the capital's dangerously unhealthy poor air quality."
ENDS
Notes to editors
- The Mayor of London has asked Transport for London to prepare plans to look at introducing a scheme that would aim to ensure all vehicles driving in the centre of the capital during working hours would be zero or low emission, and the feasibility of introducing such a scheme from 2020.
- For further information about the Mayor of London proposed plans, please see here.
- EU legal limits for carbon dioxide must be met by 2015, but London is set to exceed the limits until 2025.
If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Feb 2013
