High air pollution alert issued for London

A high air pollution alert has been issued for London.

City Hall issued the warning for Thursday after Imperial College London forecasters detected an increase in air pollution from mainland Europe.

Predicted light winds combined with local sources of pollution in London would contribute to high pollution levels, the scientists said.

Londoners are advised to switch vehicle engines off when idling and to refrain from burning wood or garden waste.

"This is particularly important in order to protect those who are most vulnerable," said Mete Coban, the deputy mayor of environment and energy.

Coban said London's toxic air was "responsible for around 4,000 premature deaths in the capital each year".

"Which is why the mayor has done everything in his power to tackle it," he added.

He urged Londoners to "look after themselves" during the pollution alert.

City Hall issues alerts to Londoners, schools and local boroughs when moderate, high or very high air pollution is forecast.

High air pollution alerts are also displayed at all bus stop countdown signs, as well as on the Underground.

An air quality report published last year said high pollution episodes were now a "rare occurrence" in London.

It said between 2018 and 2023, 19 high pollution alerts were issued and 217 moderate pollution alerts, "enabling Londoners to increase their awareness of high pollution episodes and take precautionary action on these days".

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