Motorists in London are being warned not to leave their engines idling as the UK deals with its fourth heatwave of the year and temperatures soar to 32C.
City Hall has announced that a “high” air pollution alert has been triggered on account of the hot weather and temperatures surpassing 30C.
Sadiq Khan has called on Londoners to ensure they are keeping safe during the warm temperatures this week
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City Hall has been advised by Imperial College London to issue the alert, given that airflow from mainland Europe is expected to increase ozone levels.
Data suggests London’s toxic air is responsible for around 4,000 premature deaths in the capital each year.
Coban noted that Mayor Sadiq Khan has “done everything in his power” to tackle the high level of pollution, including expanding the Ultra Low Emission Zone.
Data from City Hall has shown that the Ulez has helped slash emissions across the capital since it was launched in 2019 and expanded in 2023.
London’s Ulez sign has helped slash emissions rates across the capital
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PAHarmful nitrogen dioxide emissions are estimated to be 54 per cent lower in central London than they would be without the Ulez scheme and the expansion.
The emissions zone has also helped London be on track to reach legal air pollution levels within the next year, a staggering 184 years earlier than previous projections.
Across the capital, almost 97 per cent of vehicles seen driving on an average day are now Ulez-compliant, a huge rise compared to the 37 per cent seen in 2017.
Coban added: “We are urging Londoners to look after themselves in this pollution alert during the hot weather, stop their engines idling, and refrain from burning wood or garden waste – all of which contribute to high levels of pollution.
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“This is particularly important in order to protect those who are most vulnerable as we continue working to build a safer and greener London for all.”
As part of the awareness campaign, high air pollution alerts are displayed at public locations across the capital on all bus stop countdown signs and the Underground network.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan also took to social media to warn people about the high pollution rates, urging them to “take sensible precautions to stay cool”.
He also highlighted the UK Health Security Agency’s amber heat health alert, which has been issued from 9am today until 6pm on Wednesday, August 13.
Warnings are often placed on the London Underground during heatwaves
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Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, Khan said: “It’s important that Londoners look after themselves and those who find it more difficult to cope with hot weather: older people, babies & infants and those with a physical or mental health condition.
“Check in on family, friends or neighbours – older people and those with a physical or mental health condition are at higher risk of serious health events during heatwaves, especially if they live alone.”
General advice from the Met Office instructs motorists to make sure they take water with theem when they are travelling.
