Air pollution 'causing 4,300 annual premature deaths in London'

Thousands of Londoners die prematurely every year as a result of air pollution, it has been reported.

According to the BBC, the early results of research commissioned by London mayor Borris Johnson indicated that approximately 4,300 people lose their lives early as a result of poor air quality.

Mr Johnson's Cleaning the Air Strategy, which is currently going through a period of public consultation, aims to tackle the city's most polluted areas, which include Tower Hill, Marylebone Road, Euston Road, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner and Victoria Embankment.

"We are taking tough action to clean up London's air by targeting measures where they will have the most impact," he said.

However, Steve Birkett, a spokesman for the Campaign for Clear Air in London, said the Mayor's plans do not go far enough.

Meanwhile, the Times reported last week that air pollution levels in Hong Kong reached record highs earlier this month, with much of the city barely visible due to smog.

Written by Joseph Hutton