ULEZ: Asthma levels highest in London boroughs outside TfL clean-air zone, analysis reveals

The London GP practices recording the highest numbers of people with asthma are located in the capital’s outer boroughs, the majority of which currently sit outside the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

Drawn from NHS data on the number of patients being treated for asthma in 2021/22, analysis by the charity Asthma + Lung found that 24 of the 30 GP surgeries in the capital treating the most people for asthma were in outer London boroughs, outside the current ULEZ.

A massive 23% of the top 30 GP practices were to be found in Southall, in Ealing. Hillingdon and Sutton, both of which oppose Sadiq Khan’s planned expansion of the ULEZ on August 29, follow Ealing as the boroughs with the most surgeries treating patients with asthma.

Sarah Woolnough, chief executive of Asthma + Lung UK, said: “It is clear from the data that GPs in the outer boroughs are treating a high number of people with asthma and that many of these surgeries are outside the ULEZ zone and within a stone’s throw of some of the capital’s most polluted A-roads.

“Breathing polluted air is particularly dangerous for the estimated 585,000 people living with asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) in the capital as poor air quality and fumes from cars can quickly inflame airways and trigger symptoms. If we’re going to stop another generation of Londoners growing up breathing in potentially lethal levels of toxic air, then we need to act now.”

Virendra Sharma, MP for Ealing, Southall, said: “I am concerned for the thousands of people in my constituency who live with asthma and for whom dangerous levels of air pollution can be life-threatening.

“This new analysis shows that the majority of the GP practices in Southall are located close to busy roads that currently exceed World Health Organization guidelines on air quality.

“Air pollution is a social justice issue that disproportionately impacts Black, Asian and minority ethnic people who are also more likely to live in areas with poor air quality. We must act now to address this public health emergency.”

Once the ULEZ is expanded on August 29, most drivers of non-compliant vehicles in the capital will be liable to pay the £12.50 daily charge.

TfL and the mayor claim that nine out of ten vehicles seen in outer London already meet its emission standards. However, data compiled by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) found rates of compliant vehicles registered to outer London properties was less, with boroughs such as Harrow and Sutton recording as low as 83%.

A judicial review launched by four Conservative London councils, plus Sutton County Council into the expansion is due to be heard in court next month.

Both Mr Khan and a TfL finance chief have confirmed there are no contingency plans being drawn up in case the scheme is delayed.