Toxic air pollution levels have reached the highest “black levels” across several London boroughs, Mayor Sadiq Khan has warned.
The high pollution warnings have been issued for severals areas in London, including The City, Westminster and three sites across the Camden Borough; Swiss Cottage, Euston Road and Bloomsbury.
In addition, high “red” level alerts were also issued across London boroughs of Kensington & Chelsea, Richmond, Ealing, Brent, Enfield, Lambeth, Lewisham, Harrow, Hammersmith & Fulham, Redbridge, Greenwich and Tower Hamlets.
It is thought that the high readings have been exacerbated by the cold January weather, with a fog descending upon the capital on Monday. By 8am, 2.5 levels at the most polluted areas had fallen below the “black” level of 100 microgrammes per cubic metre.
According to health chiefs officials, if air pollution hits “very high” levels individuals should: “Reduce physical exertion, particularly outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as cough or sore throat.”
This follows similar warnings issued last Thursday, as the capital continues to face heavy pollution levels. The public announcements are part of an initiative introduced by Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan, who has pledged to actively reduce London’s pollution levels.
Mr Khan has previously stated on the matter:
“Londoners need to know when the city is suffering from high pollution levels so they can take any necessary appropriate measures to protect themselves from poor air quality.
In December, Mr Khan introduced a £770 million investment in developing the capital’s cycling facilities, in a bid to further the cause. However, London’s annual legal limit according to both EU and UK Law on air pollution was broken just five days into 2017.
This follows similar concerns in capitals across Europe, with Paris last year having to implement an alternating number plate ban on cars, in an effort to reduce dangerous pollution levels.