Chair of the London Assembly Environment Committee, Caroline Russell AM, said:
“Yesterday’s announcement by the Mayor on his plans to bring in London-wide Low Emission Zone restrictions for heavy vehicles in London is welcomed. Our Committee published a report last week which called on the Mayor to lead the way in exploring the impact of air pollution on COVID-19. Already there has been early science linking the severity of COVID-19 outcomes to air pollution exposure, and a growing body of evidence links exposure to respiratory conditions and even mental health.
“As our city continues to battle through the pandemic, the Mayor must look at how Londoners live and if our way of life is impacting our own health and the health of others. Measures like tightening the emissions restrictions for heavy vehicles is one of many steps that will be needed to bring down the levels of air pollution on our streets.”
Notes to editors
- Read the recent Environment Committee report here.
- Caroline Russell AM, Chair of the Environment Committee, is available for interview.
- Find out more about the London Assembly Environment Committee.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Aoife Nolan on 07849 303 897. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer.