Four in 10 Londoners are considering leaving the capital to escape toxic air pollution, a poll claimed on Wednesday.
New research revealed that 39 per cent of people would move out of the capital in search of cleaner air — the highest number of any region in the country. This was followed by Birmingham (36 per cent) and the North West (29 per cent), covering Manchester and Liverpool.
The survey of more than 4,000 British adults by air quality intelligence company Enjoy the Air found that over two-thirds of Londoners were concerned about the impact of pollution on their health. Nearly half felt that polluting vehicles had a direct negative effect on their breathing.
Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse said: “This is an urgent public health issue that requires urgent action. Without it we will see the number of people with severe respiratory problems or even deaths rise. These debilitating conditions are entirely preventable if we tackle air pollution and tackle it now.”
It comes as Mayor Sadiq Khan attempts to expand the capital’s Ultra Low Emission Zone to tackle the health consequences of polluted air.
Drivers in outer boroughs will face a £12.50 daily fee from August 29 if their vehicles do not meet required emissions standards.
But the plans have faced fierce resistance from opposition politicians.
On Wednesday, a new law that could give the Government powers to overturn the Ulez expansion is set to be raised in Parliament.
Proposals that would allow Transport Secretary Mark Harper to veto decisions by the London Mayor will be laid out by Theresa Villiers.
The Tory Chipping Barnet MP wants to amend the Greater London Authority Act so the Government can review City Hall plans relating to transport and clean air zones.
Introducing her Ten-Minute Rule Bill, the former environment secretary is expected to say: “Of course, we need to continue to improve air quality in London but this is the wrong scheme at the wrong time.”
