Lib Dem plan for Clean Air Zone kicks off Earl's Court campaign (Barking and Dagenham Borough Liberal Democrats)

Barking and Dagenham Borough Liberal Democrats <barkinganddagenham@libdems4london.org.uk>

Lib Dem plan for Clean Air Zone kicks off Earl's Court campaign

July 17, 2010 6:29 PM
Originally published by London Liberal Democrats

Earl's Court is one of London's worst polluted areas. The Lib Dem plan would take the oldest and most polluting vehicles off the streets

Wearing facemasks to reinforce their message, local Liberal Democrat campaigners say the party's plan for a radical Clean Air Zone will help halt London's more than 4,300 premature deaths a year. Deaths and illnesses from dangerous airborne particles cost the capital up to £2bn per year.

With a local by-election in Earl's Court imminent following the resignation of Conservative Councillor Barry Phelps, Lib Dem London Assembly Member Mike Tuffrey visited local campaigners in Earl's Court on Saturday. The ward, boxed in by main roads and red routes, is one of London's worst polluted spots.

Mike Tuffrey was championing the Liberal Democrat plan for a clean air zone in central London - modelled on a scheme in Berlin - where only vehicles which comply with emissions standards can be driven.

"Our plan would take the oldest and most polluting diesel engines off our streets and offer help for both retro-fitting filters and scrappage," said Mike. "It would also put to good use the existing camera technology in the western congestion extension area."

Councillor Carol Caruana, the Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Kensington & Chelsea Council, has given her backing to the plan. Councillor Caruana said: "Lots of people are talking about the terrible air quality problem in places like Earl's Court but only the Liberal Democrats have a detailed plan to deal with it."