Poor air quality impacts the health of all Londoners, no matter their age, or if they drive a car, or ride a bike. 

For some, polluted air is a matter of life and death.

Two hundred and one people died prematurely because of air pollution in Barnet, the second highest in London. In Camden, 109 people lost their lives after breathing filthy air.

Tiny toxic particles in our air penetrate lungs, livers and brains causing life-long illnesses, asthma, heart and respiratory diseases, cancer and dementia.

Children are growing up with stunted lungs. More than 3,600 children were admitted to hospital last year because of London’s air quality.

Ham & High: Anne Clarke says that the ULEZ has improved air quality in inner London Anne Clarke says that the ULEZ has improved air quality in inner London (Image: London Assembly)

We must put the same value on the lungs, livers and brains of children, no matter where they live. Children in outer London will be able to breathe cleaner air, surely that is something we can all agree on. 

The ULEZ has hugely improved air quality in inner London, and the health of the four million Londoners that live there. Now five million people in outer London will benefit.

It is right that policymakers take necessary action to protect all Londoners from the dangers of air pollution.

More than 8 in 10 Londoners already drive compliant vehicles, so are not liable for any charge, but it will mean a difficult adjustment for some.

City Hall’s £110 million scrappage scheme, the largest ever scheme of its type, will support those who need it. This is on top of £61m provided previously.

Funds for retrofitting so vehicles meet the standard, extended exemptions from the charge for disabled drivers, wheelchair accessible vehicles and community transport, as well as charities and businesses, will help the transition.

All money raised from the expansion will go back into TfL, including bus routes in outer London.

Barnet and Camden will have cleaner air and improved public transport.

The expanded ULEZ can help tackle the triple challenges of toxic air pollution, the climate emergency and congestion clogging up London’s roads.

It will prevent serious health issues, and it will save lives.

Anne Clarke is London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden.