Mayor Sadiq Khan has put plans forth to curb pollution in the city that will be in effect as of the 23rd of October this year. The fee known as the 'T-Charge' will affect older and more polluting cars driving through London, as drivers will be charged up to £10. When interviewed by the guardian Sadiq said “It’s staggering that we live in a city where the air is so toxic that many of our children are growing up with lung problems. If we don’t make drastic changes now we won’t be protecting the health of our families in the future.
“That is why today, on the 14th anniversary of the start of the congestion charge, I’ve confirmed we are pressing ahead with the toughest emission standard of any major city, coming to our streets from 23 October.”
The topic on the capitals air quality has been amongst the big biggest talking points and seems to be whats prompted the mayors action. The levy which is expected to affect over 10000 vehicles will operate on top of and during the same times as the congestion charge. The Transport for london website has a dedicated page for drivers to check whether they will be affected before the charge kicks in.
This move comes after Paris banned older and more pollutting vehicles between 8am and 8pm on weekdays and has already inspired surrounding towns to take action againsts rising air pollution.
Air pollution is believed to have caused about 40000 premature deaths in the UK and was labelked a public health emergency in April by a committee of MP's which left the government facing a legal challenge over adequacy of its plans to tackle the issue.
In 2016 Mr Khan published a research showing schools in the capital were in areas that exceeded the legal pollution levels. HIs plans to cut air pollution have also included extending the ultra low emmision zone beyond the centre of London. The T-Charge may pave way for ther suggestions that were presented by MPSs such as the national diesel scrappage scheme which would see owners paid for scrapping their old vehicles. Even though some Mps have argued the money would be better spent on improving public transport and creating safe roads for articles, the mayor says he is open to suggestions as long as they share the same goal to improve air quality in the capital
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