Letter ref : Online article in the Guardian, Damian Carrington, 11.02.2020 - “Tough air pollution targets needed to cut health inequalities, say MPs”

“Damian Carrington’s report asserts that the most effective way to cut air pollution is with clean-air zones, where charges deter polluting vehicles from urban centres.

“But data shows that air pollution from non-traffic sources in the centre of London accounts for around half of the problem.

“That’s why we’ve introduced an Emissions Reduction Bill to give London’s local authorities tough new powers to tackle non transport related pollution.

“64,000 people die prematurely every year in the UK from breathing polluted air and radical action must be taken.

“Our new Climate Action Strategy sets a target for the Square Mile to be net zero carbon-emission by 2040.

“And we are piloting the UK’s first 24/7 zero emission street, banning new diesel vehicles from our own fleet and leading a London-wide crackdown on idling engines.

“Nobody should have to breathe dirty air and local and national Government must work together to eradicate it.”

Keith Bottomley

Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Environment Committee

Guildhall, Aldermanbury, London, EC2V 7HH