The majority of Londoners want the next mayor to do more to tackle pollution from traffic, according to a survey by the Clean Cities Campaign.
The survey found that 67% of London residents want to see pollution from traffic reduced, with 59% calling for only emission-free cars to be allowed in the UK capital from 2030.
Furthermore, the findings highlighted that Londoners support a ban on polluting vehicles outside schools. The figure stands at 62%, among the highest in Europe, and compared to an average of 57% across all 15 cities surveyed.
Barbara Stoll, director, Clean Cities Campaign, said: “This survey makes it crystal clear that citizens are sick of breathing dirty air and are asking their mayors to put them, not cars, at the centre of new mobility in cities.
“Public opinion should be a North Star for decision-makers to make cities more liveable and sustainable. The London mayoral elections are a golden opportunity to show citizens their voice is being heard.”
Read more: London mayoral elections 2021: transport and environment policies
The survey is supported by new analysis from the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF Europe), which exposed the far-reach of air pollution on London’s major road network, known as ‘Red Routes’.
EDF Europe highlighted that the area of increased asthma risk from Red Route pollution is seven times the size of the roads themselves.
Additionally, it estimated that nearly one in 10 of London’s children may be living in an area where they are at a significantly higher risk of developing asthma due to the nitrogen dioxide (NO2) that comes solely from the Red Routes.
Oliver Lord, head of policy and campaigns for Environmental Defense Fund Europe said: “The pollution and health impacts from London’s busiest roads go far beyond the streets themselves, with an estimated 9% of children having a significantly increased risk of developing asthma.
“We are calling on all mayoral candidates to commit to a green recovery that will transform these roads and protect future generations.”
Read more: London mayoral elections 2021: CoMoUK urges focus on shared transport
