London looks to clean up with low emission zone Authorities in London have taken a drastic step to improve the city's air quality, the worst in Britain and among the poorest in Europe.
From now on the capital becomes a "low emission zone" - that means drivers of high polluting vehicles, like large diesel lorries, will have to pay a heavy fine of more than 266 euros if they do not comply with EU exhaust limits.
Mayor Ken Livingstone says the scheme will help millions with respiratory problems: "For Londoners who suffer from asthma or chronic lung problems, this is a very good day indeed. Something like one Londoner in ten is living in an area where particulates, the tiny little things that trigger cancer and asthma, are way above the safe levels. Over the next three or four years, this will bring that down to just one percent," he said.
The British capital already enforces a congestion charge on vehicles entering the city centre, but that was aimed at reducing traffic. The new scheme will apply to the Greater London area all day, every day and later it will also cover smaller commercial vehicles. |
