Mayor of London launches new programme to tackle air pollution

With data from Breathe London showing that 40% of the nitrogen oxide pollution around schools is generated by road transport, the Mayor of London has launched a new programme to improve air quality and help schools to deliver air quality audits.

Launching in the new year, audit recommendations will include the closure of surrounding roads, as well as walking and scooting campaigns and tackling engine idling.

Recognising the issue of air quality, Sadiq Khan spoke of the damaging implications of poor air quality, including thousands of premature deaths.

As published by Air Quality News, the Mayor said: “I am doing everything in my power to stop Londoners breathing air so filthy that it damages children’s lungs and causes thousands of premature deaths every year.

“The Ultra Low Emission Zone has already cut toxic air by a third and led to reductions in roadside nitrogen dioxide that are five times greater than the national average.

“Since 2016, there has been a 97% reduction in the number of schools in areas which exceed the legal limit, and I’m committed to bringing that number down to zero.”

What else can we do to improve air quality?
At EGO, we also recognise the need to reduce toxic emissions and improve air quality for the benefit of all. An often-overlooked producer of emissions is petrol-powered outdoor power tools – gardening equipment like leaf blowers, chainsaws and lawnmowers. Our research conducted by Millbrook shows that the most popular leaf blower in the UK actually produces more emissions than the average car, making them just as harmful, especially around schools.

That’s why we develop innovative battery technology, making power tools which deliver unrivalled performance, without the emissions.

Discover more about our work by downloading The Report here: https://www.challenge2025.eu/thereport/.