London mayor election 2024: Main issues for Londoners - ULEZ to crime

In a matter of weeks Londoners will get the chance to vote for who they would like to be the mayor of London for the next four years.

Sadiq Khan is preparing to fight for a third term as the Labour mayor, while Susan Hall is vying for the top job at City Hall for the Conservatives.

Also in the running is Zoe Garbett for the Green Party, Rob Blackie for the Liberal Democrats and Howard Cox for the Reform Party. A number of independent candidates have also put themselves forward including Natalie Campbell.

We took to the streets in Crystal Palace to ask locals what they think are the most important issues the capital is facing in the run up to the May election.

ULEZ

A local named Eric said he hopes whoever is elected continues to focus on fighting air pollution in the capital.

“I hope the mayor emphasises the beneficial effects of low traffic neighbourhoods and the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone)zone has had on air pollution,” Eric told LondonWorld.

“I say that because I suffer from severe asthma and that’s something that’s very close to my heart.

“If he concentrates on that and all these nutters out in the suburbs pulling down the cameras - and against which no action has been taken.”

Pete, another Crystal Palace local, thinks clean air is one of the top priorities.

“I’m very pleased with what Sadiq Khan’s done with the air pollution in London,” he said.

“He’s been really brave really to stand up to the motoring industry lobbies. I think he’s doing a great job actually as he’s under a lot of pressure and receives a lot of threats. I’m all for keeping him in post.”

Meanwhile John wants the ULEZ Ultrato be scrapped.

“Getting rid of the ULEZ scheme and that low-traffic neighbourhood scheme because it's causing a lot of congestion on the main roads,” he said.

Crime

Isaiah thinks crime is the main issue in London.

“Firstly, leave Black people alone, leave foreigners alone, leave immigrants alone,” he told LondonWorld. “Safety is the major thing. Preparation for the worst is not happening and there’s still more to come.

“These kids that are growing up now - the girl that got killed in Croydon because she didn’t accept someone’s flowers. If we’ve got to that stage we really need to rethink how we’re training our children.”

London mayor election

This year’s mayoral election will use the first-past-the-post system, replacing the previous 'supplementary vote'.

The mayoral election will be held on May 2 2024 and it will be the seventh time Londoners have gone to the polls to elect a mayor.

Here is the current full list of candidates hoping to be the next mayor of London.