London's air monitoring data backs up need for ULEZ expansion

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has revealed new data from the Breathe London sensor network which demonstrate that poor air quality is not only a problem for people living and working in central London.

More than 100 fixed sensors were placed in locations across the capital and found levels of pollution likely to exceed legal limits not only in central London but also outer boroughs such as Barking, Kingston and Hillingdon.

In their first eight months of operation, high levels of air pollution were detected by 40 per cent of the Breathe London sensors, showing locations are likely to exceed the legal annual levels of air pollution. Sensors on busy West End roads also recorded levels of nitrogen dioxide 10 times higher than on smaller streets just a few metres away.

In April, the Mayor introduced the world’s first Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in central London, with plans to expand the zone to the North and South Circular in 2021.

Data from the sensors supports the rationale for the Mayor’s decision to expand the Ultra Low Emission Zone.

It also helps to ensure air quality hotspots are identified so that measures can be put in place.