Responding to the expansion of the Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) to Outer London, Centre for London Interim Chief Executive Claire Harding said:

“Today marks a new chapter: Londoners across the capital have the same protection from toxic air.

The debates about ULEZ expansion have been acrimonious at times and we know that this will continue.

The way the ULEZ has been implemented hasn’t been perfect and low income Londoners needed more financial help earlier on. But the benefits from improved air quality are an important step, especially for children’s health.

To be a lasting success, the ULEZ expansion needs to be part of a wider effort to help people switch to more sustainable transport. Our research shows that most car trips in outer London are because of a lack of other options – and over half of them are less than two miles long.

The next mayor and government will need to do more to help people switch to cleaner modes by providing better options for walking, cycling and public transport for every London journey.”