Mayor maps London schools’ pollution levels

Figures published today (1 July) by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, suggest that 443 schools across the capital are located in areas exceeding legal air pollution limits.

The data also suggests that 100 primary and secondary schools in London register the highest levels of pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide.

These figures also show 86 secondary schools were above legal levels, the Mayor’s office has claimed.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “These figures are of great concern and show why it is absolutely right we act now on London’s polluted air. It is simply not acceptable that young Londoners — our children, grandchildren, family, neighbours and friends — are being exposed to dangerously polluted air and putting them at greater risk of respiratory and other conditions.”

Consultation

Mr Khan is to deliver a major speech next week when he launches a formal public consultation on a package of measures to tackle air pollution in London, which is expected will include extending the ultra-low emission zone and implementing an extra charge on the most polluting vehicles entering the capital.

Southwark, Westminster and Tower Hamlets were the three boroughs with the highest number of primary and secondary schools in high pollution areas.