Sadiq Khan Launches £5.3m Blitz to Clean Up London’s Air
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has unveiled a fresh £5.3 million cash boost to fight the city’s dirty air crisis. The funding, part of the Mayor’s Air Quality Fund, targets boroughs eager to slash pollution and make London a healthier place to live.
Millions Poured Into Cleaner Air Projects
The overall £27 million Air Quality Fund, backed by over £20 million from boroughs and partners, has already delivered impressive wins. Thanks to the cash injection, 25 new clean air walking routes now cut pollution exposure by up to 60% in London’s filthiest spots.
Cutting-Edge Upgrades and Green Moves
- 400+ electric vehicle chargers installed or upgraded
- 5,300 businesses helped to reduce emissions
- 3,000 sq metres of new green spaces created
- 250 trees planted
- 1,300+ cycle parking spots added
- 750 bicycles fixed up
- 17,000 school kids educated about air quality
New Projects to Target Toxic PM2.5 and Protect the Vulnerable
The latest round tackles deadly PM2.5 particles, backs sustainable events, and shields vulnerable groups – especially in schools and hospitals. Boroughs are urged to team up on joint ventures, building on successes like cutting engine idling and pollution from building sites.
Applications for funding must be in by 5pm, 19 January 2024, with projects kicking off in April.
Real Results Across London
Take Camden’s Low Emission Neighbourhood, which chopped NOx emissions by 28% using electric vehicle chargers, safer pedestrian crossings, cycle lanes, and bike hire schemes.
This fund complements Khan’s other eco-actions, including the expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) launched in August 2023. The city is also racing to convert its entire bus fleet to zero emissions – a world-leading move in the fight against pollution.
“Air pollution in our city is damaging Londoners’ health, and I am determined to do all I can to tackle it,” said Sadiq Khan.
Christina Calderato, TfL’s Director of Strategy and Policy, added, “London is leading the way globally in its drive to tackle pollution, paving the way for a more sustainable future and playing its part in addressing an international public health crisis.”
