The Guardian view on London's low emission zone: doing the right thing | Editorial

Sadiq Khan deserves credit for pressing ahead with a scheme to improve the capital's airEveryone who cares about public health and environmental regulation should welcome the expansion of London's ultra-low emission zone (Ulez), which launches on Tuesday. Air pollution is estimated to cause 4,000 premature deaths each year in the capital, with nitrogen dioxide from exhausts being the main danger, along with particulate matter whose effect is likened by scientists to inhaling tiny particles of tar. Air pollution causes disproportionate harm to low-income families, who are most likely to live on main roads and least likely to own cars. It is particularly damaging to children's growing lungs. That the mayor, Sadiq Khan, has defied pressure to delay or weaken the scheme is to his credit.In France, vehicles that do not meet new limits have been banned from urban areas. In London, drivers of non-compliant vehicles - mostly petrol ones dating from before 2005, and diesel before 2015 - must pay a daily charge of ?12.50, with higher charges for lorries and coaches. While no scheme is flawless, the improvements to air quality achieved by the existing scheme, covering inner London, mean that Londoners can be confident of the extension's health benefits. Continue reading...