Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Boris Johnson’s refusal to issue smog alerts exposes his complacency on London’s air pollution – Stephen Knight

June 13, 2012 2:47 PM

Stephen Knight, Liberal Democrat Londonwide Assembly Member

Londoners will continue to be denied accurate information about the poor state of London's air quality the Mayor confirmed today, despite the latest evidence showing that levels of nitrogen dioxide are similar to the dangerous levels that existed in Beijing four years ago.

Following questioning from Stephen Knight, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly environment spokesperson, the Mayor stated that he had ruled out actively informing Londoners about the state of London's air quality, for example by publishing information on the Greater London Authority's website every day.

Commenting on the Mayor's reply Stephen Knight said:

"London's poor air pollution is one of the capital's most serious public health issues, yet the whole approach by the Mayor has been one of dither and delay over the last four years.

"Having failed to take effective action the Mayor is now even refusing to actively inform Londoners about the extent of the problem. At the very least the Mayor should ensure that on a daily basis information about London's air quality is published on the City Hall website. When air pollution is especially bad it is vital that smog alerts are issued. This information would be invaluable for the huge numbers of Londoners who suffer from asthma and other respiratory diseases.

"The fact that the Mayor cannot even adopt this very simple measure reveals just how much the Mayor is in denial over this issue."

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

    • Example monthly digest email

    • If you submit your contact details, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your contact details, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

    • Twitter:
    • Liberal Democrats
    • Caroline Pidgeon

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    glalibdems.org.uk/en/article/2012/592227/boris-johnson-s-refusal-to-issue-smog-alerts-exposes-his-complacency-on-london-s-air-pollution-stephen-knight
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    gla.lib.dm/a7tGM

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image

    Print this page

  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

    • If you submit your contact details, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting


    • Generate different image

    Join the Liberal Democrats

  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    • If you agree, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Contact us by email, post, or phone

More great reads