Arguments for the Low Emission Zone

The low Emission Zone (LEZ)came into affect 2 days ago as part of a desperate attempt to deliver huge improvements tackling air pollution in London. It is necessary because research proves that London is one of the most polluted capitals in Western Europe and the LEZ has begun targeting diesel engined lorries weighing more than 12 tonnes. These lorries that don't meet the Low Emissions target will receive fines of £200 to drive into Central London. It's hoped that by 2012 when smaller vechicles begin to be included in the LEZ the quality of air in London will be transformed as even Ken Livingstone has stated "Even on a good day you can still see the scale of pollution as you look through the atmosphere over London". Pollution in London has become so bad that it's thought that 1 in 10 people within the capital live in areas where pollution is well above the recommended safety levels. This offers asthma and cancer sufferers no comfort and it's hoped that the formation of the LEZ will reduce high pollution levels to affecting 1 in every 100 Londoners. upon hearing about this Neil Churchill, chief executive of Asthma UK, said 600,000 asthma sufferers are living in London, and two-thirds of them said pollution made their symptoms worse. Although critics suggest that the potential £4 million total annual charges is merely the reason behind the LEZ, many accept that the scheme has been designed to encourage operators to clean up their fleets rather than as a means for making money and whether you are a cynic or not this proposal is popular, will win support and hopefully lead to many less people dying from respiratory conditions than the 1000 in 2005.