Sadiq Khan has claimed a major victory in London as levels of air pollution in the capital have dropped by more than 10 per cent.
The lower emission levels in the city were aided by the expansion of the Ulez scheme which extended across Greater London last August.
According to a new report from City Hall, nitrogen oxide emissions from cars dropped by 13 per cent since last August, while van emissions fell seven per cent.
The lower pollution levels equate to as many as 200,000 vehicles being removed from roads for one year, making a significant impact.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing[email protected]
The Ulez was expanded in August last year
PA
The Ulez scheme was extended last year by Mayor Sadiq Khan to cover everywhere within the North and South Circular.
However, since the expansion, drivers in the capital have continued to share their frustration with the emissions-based charging zone around the city.
In total, 1,348,938 penalties have been issued since the expansion, although 974,590 have still not been paid.
Of the outstanding tickets, 200 have been issued to a single vehicle with total costs topping £47,682, based on data from a Freedom of Information request.
While 96 per cent of cars are Ulez compliant, those which are not are required to pay a £12.50 daily fee for entering the emissions zone.
To be Ulez-compliant, petrol cars must meet Euro 4 emissions targets while diesel cars must adhere to Euro 6 emissions.
Petrol cars that meet the standards are generally those first registered as new with the DVLA after 2005, although cars that meet the standards have been available since 2001.
When the Toxicity Charge, a previous version of Ulez, was introduced, the percentage of compliant cars was only 39 per cent.
Commenting on the figures, Khan said: “The decision to expand the Ulez London-wide was a difficult one, but necessary to save lives, protect children’s lungs and help reduce the risk of Londoners developing asthma, dementia and a host of other health issues.
“Today’s report shows that the Ulez is working even better than expected. The expansion to outer London is already having a significant effect – driving down levels of pollution, taking old polluting cars off our roads and bringing cleaner air to millions more Londoners.”
Meanwhile, Transport for London director of strategy Christina Calderato explained that London is “leading the way in improving air quality”.
“With the greatest number of deaths attributable to air pollution occurring in outer London, it’s great to see these results since the Ulez was introduced London-wide,” she expressed.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Drivers who breach Ulez areas can be fined as much as £180
PA
If drivers fail to pay the daily fee they could be fined £180, which is reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.