A group of East Sheen parents concerned about air pollution is campaigning for cleaner air for all Londoners. Mums for Lungs East Sheen is asking everyone to respond to the TfL consultation on ULEZ, the cleaner air zone in London before the end of February.

In 2019 the Mayor of London is introducing an Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in Central London, which will apply to older vehicles failing to meet stricter emission standards. In 2021 he plans to extend this up to, but excluding the North and South Circulars.

Excluding these arterial roads will bisect many of London’s outer boroughs and communities, like East Sheen Village, leaving thousands of us still breathing filthy air, say Mums for Lungs East Sheen. Pollution at boundaries may also increase as drivers with non-compliant vehicles divert onto already congested roads, such as the South Circular’s Upper Richmond Road West, or park just outside the charging zone.

Mums for Lungs East Sheen is a branch of Mums for Lungs, a growing network of parents concerned about the air pollution that is gravely affecting our children’s health. They are campaigning for cleaner air for all Londoners by 2020.

Air pollution contributes to nearly 9,500 early deaths every year and is linked to asthma, heart disease, lung cancer, dementia, strokes and an increased risk of having a premature or low-weight baby.

Mums for Lungs think an expanded ULEZ is great news, but they want the mayor to do more, because “2021 is too late for our children”. They want the expanded ULEZ introduced by 2020 – within the current Mayor’s tenure.  

The ULEZ must be drawn up to cover ALL of London to ensure all Londoners’ health is protected.  A London-wide ULEZ would help to further reduce pollution along the South Circular and beyond, in places where work places, nurseries and schools are blighted by toxic air, say Mums for Lungs. Accordingly, the London Assembly has repeatedly asked the Mayor to introduce a London-wide ULEZ.

Mums for Lungs are asking everyone to complete the TfL consultation by 28th February 2018 and ask the Mayor to extend the ULEZ to apply to all vehicles in all London boroughs by 2020. 

Find our earlier post about the consultation here.