Following a recent report which reveals that up to 150 people in Haringey risk dying prematurely each year because of dangerous air pollutants, local MP Lynne Featherstone has joined forces with Lib Dems at the London Assembly in demanding that the Mayor rolls out the suspended third phase of the Low Emissions Zone.

The report, released by the London Assembly last week, warns that levels of airborne particles (PM10) risk resulting in up to 3,000 deaths in London, unless drastic measures are taken. This follows recent news unearthed by the Liberal Democrats that in parts of Haringey, pollution levels, especially of Nitrogen Dioxide from vehicle fumes, are twice as high as the European recommended levels.

Government figures estimate air quality-related health costs for the UK to be up to £20 billion a year. Emissions, mainly from diesel vehicles, contribute to a range of health problems, from coughing and sneezing to more serious illnesses requiring hospital admissions, and even death. Children and the elderly are worst affected.

Lynne Featherstone MP comments:

“I’m appalled that 150 local residents are being killed by air they breathe day after day. Just because we can’t see it, doesn’t mean we don’t have to act quickly.

“It was wrong of the Mayor to cancel the last phase of the Low Emissions Zone as drastic measures are needed to improve London’s air quality. Boris needs to take bold action and roll out the third phase of the Low Emissions Zone and clean up buses and taxis. We just can’t let this one slip by.”

Mike Tuffrey, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group adds:

“Air pollution is an invisible killer we can no longer ignore. The urgency and priority that we rightly give to reducing road accidents must now be given to improving London’s air quality and saving the lives of Londoners.”