London drivers could see more local schemes aimed at cutting vehicle emissions after Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan announced an extra £6million to tackle air pollution across the capital.
The funding, revealed today on Clean Air Day, will allow boroughs to apply for support for projects designed to reduce pollution.
This could include new low emission of transport schemes, cleaner delivery networks, electric vehicle infrastructure, and initiatives encouraging people to walk or cycle instead of driving.
The announcement comes as London marks the anniversary of the Clean Air Act, introduced after the Great Smog of the 1950s, which caused thousands of deaths.
The latest funding round forms part of the Mayor‘s Air Quality Fund, which has already distributed £27million to London boroughs. Local councils and partners have contributed a further £20million in matched funding.
Previous projects have included low emission neighbourhoods, clean air walking routes, electric vehicle charging points, cycle parking, school streets and programmes to reduce emissions from construction machinery.
The Mayor’s wider clean air policies, including the expansion of the Ulez, have already had a major impact on road users. City Hall detailed how nitrogen dioxide pollution levels fell within legal limits for the first time in 2024 following the introduction of measures aimed at reducing vehicle emissions.
Research from Imperial College London has also linked the Ulez and the earlier T-Charge scheme to improvements in public health.
Sir Sadiq Khan has allocated £6million for clean air initiatives
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PAThe study found annual trends in hospital admissions fell by 8.1 per cent for cardiovascular disease, 6.2 per cent for respiratory disease and 3.1 per cent for all causes within the charging zone.
Clean Air Day also highlighted wider progress in reducing transport emissions. Earlier this week, Transport for London announced 3,000 zero-emission buses are now operating across the capital, representing around a third of the TfL bus fleet.
Projects funded through the Air Quality Fund have already delivered measurable results. More than 400 electric vehicle charging points have been installed, over 900 trees planted and 89 school streets created.
The programme has also supported 25 clean air routes and engaged more than 700,000 people through awareness campaigns.
Ulez has helped create cleaner air in London
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PADeputy Mayor for Environment and Energy Mete Coban said the funding would help boroughs continue improving air quality.
He said: “The Great Smog brought London to a standstill 75 years ago and claimed thousands of lives. The introduction of the Clean Air Act in 1956 showed that big problems need bold action.”
Mr Coban said the fund had already delivered significant changes across London.
“The Mayor’s Air Quality Fund has already inspired impressive changes, from new Healthy School Streets and green transport grants to segregated cycle lanes and school workshops,” he said.
Ulez was expanded to cover all London Boroughs in 2023 | TFL
He added: “By investing a further £6million, we will empower community organisations and boroughs to develop projects that reduce air pollution across the capital, improving the health of millions as we continue to build a greener, fairer city.”
Jane Burston, Chief Executive of the Clean Air Fund, welcomed the announcement. “The Mayor’s new funding for boroughs is a welcome opportunity to continue tackling air pollution in the neighbourhoods where people live, work and go to school.”
Applications for the fifth round of funding will open later this summer, with successful projects expected to begin in spring 2027.