London 'among the worst European capitals' for air pollution

London is one of the worst capital cities in Europe when it comes to air pollution, a report has found.

According to the Health and Environment Committee’s Air Pollution issues paper, the problem causes around 4,000 deaths every year in the city, with those behind the paper calling for things to change.

In total, nine per cent of deaths in London’s most polluted areas can be put down to poor air quality and this is not only leading to a huge human cost but also a major financial one too.

Indeed, it's reported that it costs around £20 billion in health bills every year, double the cost of obesity, with the report's authors calling for new measures to be brought in.

Not only should these prevent European Union fines, they say, it would also protect Londoners from the pollution.

Assembly member, Murad Qureshi, who is also chair of the committee, said the widespread problem of pollution in most cities should not be used as an excuse.

"Air pollution is a problem in large cities worldwide, but London’s is among the worst of any European capital," he said.

"These latest figures clearly show the impact these harmful pollutants are having: thousands of Londoners are dying early each year."

Among the suggestions made by the committee are for stricter standards when it comes to diesel vehicles within London’s Low Emission Zone, as well as encouraging the use of electric vehicles and also walking and cycling.

Also on the list of ideas is to reduce Nitric Oxide emissions by giving older buses a green makeover.

Mr Qureshi said public health considerations needed to be made, with the report highlighting concerns over pollution's potential to cause illnesses such as lung and heart conditions, breast cancer and diabetes.

"The borough level figures should make for interesting reading for the mayor and some boroughs whilst putting their public health strategies together," he said.

"Hopefully they will give the problem of air pollution the emphasis it warrants."