Almost 9,500 Londoners die prematurely each year as a result of air pollution in the capital new figures from Kings College London have shown. The research demonstrates how bad air quality in London has become, the Mayor needs to finally get serious about tackling air pollution.

The Mayor needs to take tangible steps to improve London’s air quality including allowing London boroughs to opt into the new ultra-low emissions zone which will charge the worst polluting cars for entering central London from 2020.

This research demonstrates that air pollution is one of the most serious public health emergencies facing London. Despite almost 9,500 Londoners dying every year, the Mayor has dithered and delayed when it comes to tackling our toxic air.

It’s time for the Mayor to get serious about air quality, that means expanding the proposed ultra-low emissions zone and allowing London boroughs to opt in should theywish. It should be an indisputable right of residents in Westminster to breathe clean air, not an optional extra as the Mayor is currently treating it.

The research by King’s College London is available here.