Sadiq Khan issues high pollution alert as 40C heat looms over the capital

Londoners are being urged to stop their engines idling and to avoid burning garden waste after the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, triggered a “high” air pollution alert for the capital today, Wednesday 24 June.

Forecasters at Imperial College London advised the Mayor to issue the alert, which coincides with a rare red warning for extreme heat from the Met Office. Temperatures could reach a record-breaking 40C across London on Wednesday and Thursday.

The alert is the third “high” pollution episode this year. Drier conditions have raised levels of particulate matter, while strong sunshine drives reactions between existing pollutants to produce ground-level ozone.

City Hall said it was working with boroughs, health services, Transport for London, emergency services and community organisations to protect those most at risk during the heat. Londoners were advised to stay hydrated — there are 4,000 free water refill points and more than 100 fountains across the city — and to use the Cool Spaces map for respite from the heat.

Residents are being asked to look out for those less able to cope, including young children, older people and those with health conditions, and to follow advice from NHS London.

City Hall issues alerts to schools and boroughs when moderate, high or very high pollution is forecast. High alerts are also displayed at bus stop countdown signs and across the Underground.

The Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Mete Coban — a former Hackney councillor and cabinet member — urged Londoners to do their bit.

“Toxic air is responsible for thousands of premature deaths in London each year, which is why the Mayor has done everything in his power to tackle it, which includes launching the world’s largest clean air zone,” he said.

“We are urging Londoners to look after themselves during this period of extremely hot weather and elevated pollution levels, stop their engines idling, and refrain from burning garden waste — all of which contribute to high levels of pollution.

“It is really important we all do our bit to protect those who are most vulnerable as we continue working to build a safer and greener London for all.”

In Hackney, the borough’s new Green administration said it was pressing ahead with measures to cut pollution and to help residents move away from cars and fossil fuels.

Cllr Jacob Cable, Cabinet Member for Climate, Clean Air, Energy and Transport, said the council was taking an active role in reducing engine idling and wood burning while helping people with their transport and living needs.

“Managing and reducing pollutants is one of the most significant challenges facing the city,” he said. “As far back as the industrial revolution London has a history of toxic air significantly cutting lifespans and quality of life. While the ULEZ has done amazing things for air quality there is much more to do.

“The climate crisis is an affordability crisis. Hackney residents’ financial wellbeing being tied to the unstable cost of fossil fuels is unsustainable. We are taking an active role in giving residents energy solutions that will give much needed resilience for the coming decades for thousands of people. We will act early, and we will act ambitiously.”