It seems the Mayors ignorance knows no bounds.
Despite the fact that he now has conclusive evidence that the taxi age limit is of no benefit to reduce pollution he is still in denial.
When asked in Mayors questions about the recent Supreme Court ruling which confirmed that legal limits for NO2 had not been met, the Mayor still claims that they have and still brags that he has implemented a taxi age limit.
Supreme Court Judgement - nitrogen dioxide (1)
Question No: 1296 / 2013
Stephen Knight
Does the Supreme Court’s declaration that the UK is in breach of Article 13 of the EU Air Quality Directive, adding that the way is now “open to immediate enforcement”, increase the likelihood that any resulting fines will be delegated to the Greater London Authority (GLA) under new powers contained within the Localism Act (2011)?
Written response from the Mayor
This is a matter for Defra. I am focused on improving air quality in London and have put in place an ambitious package of measures, including tighter Low Emission Zone standards, retiring the oldest taxis and cleaning up the bus fleet. These measures have already reduced emissions of NOx by 20 per cent and of PM10 by 15 per cent.
(an absolute lie)
Supreme Court Judgement - nitrogen dioxide (2)
Question No: 1297 / 2013
Stephen Knight
What new actions do you propose to take to reduce NO2 levels in London as a result of the recent UK Supreme Court Judgement that London’s air pollution is in breach of Article 13 of the EU Air Quality Directive in relation to NO2?
Written response from the Mayor
I refer the Assembly Member to my answer to his previous question (MQ1296) in regard to the ambitious package of measures I have introduced since becoming the Mayor.
Furthermore, on 13th February I announced a package of additional air quality measures to be delivered in my second term and up to 2020, including:
- a new Ultra Low Emission Zone for central London from 2020, subject to a feasibility study
- retiring the remaining 900 oldest Euro III buses in TfL's fleet and replacing them with ultra-low emission Euro VI buses
- accelerating the roll out of hybrid buses, with 1,600 on the road by 2016 including 600 of my iconic New Bus for London. This is equivalent to around 20 per cent of TfL's bus fleet
- new measures to reduce emissions and clean up construction sites
- retrofitting a further 24,000 homes, public buildings and schools with energy efficiency measures
- introducing a new £20m Mayor's Air Quality Fund to support the boroughs in tackling local air quality hotspots.
