London’s congestion charge has increased deadly diesel pollution, say scientists
It has reduced some forms of pollution such as carbon monoxide, particulate matter and nitrous oxide but it led to more miles being driven by diesel buses and taxis
LONDON’S congestion charge has increased deadly diesel pollution by a fifth, scientists warn.
The fee for peak-time traffic — currently £11.50 a day — was introduced by then-mayor Ken Livingstone in 2003.
It has reduced some forms of pollution such as carbon monoxide, particulate matter and nitrous oxide.
But because it led to more miles being driven by diesel buses and taxis, it also saw a hike in nitrogen dioxide.
This has risen by 20 per cent and causes a higher risk of severe lung and respiratory problems.
Experts from Lancaster University, the US and Norway revealed the danger at a conference in Brighton.
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They said congestion charges cut the total road miles driven and increase travel speed.
But while overall pollution levels had dropped in London, that could be down to other factors such as technological improvements.
They added: “The reduction could have happened even without the charge.”
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