London,
09
December
2014
|
13:25
Europe/London

City comments on Paris diesel vehicle ban proposals

The Mayor of Paris’ proposal to ban diesel cars by 2020 is an encouraging move. Here in London air pollution is responsible for around 4,000 premature deaths annually – and the Square Mile, which we look after, suffers from some of the highest levels in the UK.

Diesel is the major problem. It was sold as an environmental solution but it is in fact an invisible killer. In our authority area we have prohibited engine idling and introduced a 20mph speed limit which will help improve local air quality. These measures support Mayor of London Boris Johnson’s reform proposals but we still need to move further and faster on reducing pollution from diesel vehicles. In particular government funding is urgently needed to finance the replacement of diesel taxis with cleaner models.

Wendy Mead, Chairman, Environment Committee, City of London Corporation