Sadiq Khan issues high air pollution alert for London

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has issued a high air pollution alert across the capital for Tuesday.

Mayor Khan has warned Londoners to be “careful over the next few days” and to avoid unnecessary car journeys.

London has been experiencing moderate air pollution since Saturday with the continuing cold, still, and foggy conditions resulting in poor dispersion of vehicle emissions.

Schools and boroughs will be notified of the alert and messages will be displayed across the TfL network.

Mayor Khan said: "We know how dangerous toxic air is for Londoners – that’s why I’m doing everything in my power to tackle it.

“On Tuesday, alongside the extreme cold temperatures we’ve been experiencing, we are also expecting high levels of air pollution.

“Following the latest forecast from Imperial College London, I am issuing a ‘high’ air pollution alert.

“This shows once again why it’s so vital that we expand the Ultra Low Emission Zone London-wide to reduce toxic air pollution in our city.

“We all need to be careful over the next few days.

“I’m urging Londoners to look after each other by choosing to walk, cycle or take public transport where possible, avoiding unnecessary car journeys, stopping engine idling and not burning garden waste, all of which contributes to high levels of pollution.

“This is particularly important in order to protect those who are more vulnerable to high pollution.”

Last week he was accused of misleading City Hall about briefings from TfL on the controversial decision to expand the ULEZ scheme, amid a row over the move.

The mayor denied any wrongdoing.