Mike Tuffrey 

Mike Tuffrey, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly environment spokesperson, commenting on the announcement today that discounts of up to £3,000 on the price of new vans and minibuses are being offered to Londoners to switch to cleaner vehicles, said:

“This will help ensure many small businesses and voluntary organisations rise to the challenge of meeting the new air quality standards for vans and minibuses.

“In fact improving air quality is a win-win for everyone. Tackling the health implications of poor air quality benefits everyone in the long term, including businesses.

“However the challenge for the Mayor is to now go further and learn from other European countries. London must now follow the successful example of Berlin and introduce a Clean Air Zone in central London, where air pollution is worst and has the greatest impact on people’s health.”