London Mayor urged to impose driving limits during high ozone pollution alerts

Green Party Assembly Member Caroline Russell has called on Mayor Sadiq Khan to introduce driving restrictions in London when ozone pollution reaches dangerous levels. She points to recent measures in the Île‑de‑France region, where speed limits were lowered by 20 km/h and older, high‑emission vehicles banned during high‑ozone alerts. Russell says the city's current alert categories (“moderate” and “high”) are confusing and proposes an “amber” and “red” warning system similar to heat‑wave alerts to improve public understanding.

London has experienced three high ozone alerts this year, including two during June’s heatwave. Khan previously urged residents to avoid idling, burning garden waste and to favour public transport. Russell argues that clearer warnings and stricter traffic controls would better protect people with lung and heart conditions and reduce overall emissions.