New bus routes aiming to cut down on air pollution in capital

THREE new bus routes have been approved by Mayor Sadiq Khan in a bid to cut air pollution in west London.

The low emission bus zones will operate in areas with high levels of pollution, with new hybrid and cleaner buses running in Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, Chiswick and Westminster by 2020.

The London mayor says the 12 new low emission bus zones will help tackle toxic air which has got so severe over recent days that he has been forced to issue ‘very high’ pollution alerts.

The new routes include:

Uxbridge Road to Shepherds Bush – from Ealing Broadway via Hanger Lane to Uxbridge Road, The Broadway.

Chiswick High Road to Kensington – via Hammersmith Broadway and Kensington High Street to Studland Street.

Edgware Road (Kilburn to Maida Vale) – from Cricklewood Broadway via Kilburn High Road announced The Uxbridge Gazette Series to Shoot-Up Hill.

The mayor has targeted air quality hotspots where people are exposed to some of the highest levels of nitrogen dioxide pollution and where older buses contribute significantly to road transport emissions.

The new greener buses, which will be a combination of hybrid and clean buses that meet strict standards, will cut harmful nitrogen oxide emissions.

They are part of an improvement programme to 3,000 buses outside central London.

Mr Khan said: “Tackling London’s filthy air is one of my main priorities.

“I am delighted to be delivering on that commitment by introducing these new low emission bus zones.

“Removing the oldest, dirtiest buses from our streets and delivering low emission bus zones will make a big contribution to tackling transport pollution.”

The news was welcomed by west London’s local authorities.