London welcomes Low Emission Zone

In a move designed to improve air quality and cut pollution, the UK has launched its first Low Emission Zone in London.

The zone will be the largest of its kind in the world and cover the whole of Greater London.

Under the initiative, vehicles that produce the highest levels of emissions will have to pay a penalty to drive in the capital.

Diesel-engined lorries weighing over 12 tonnes will have to meet emissions standards, with these standards rolled out to buses and coaches in July.

Motorcycles and cars will be exempt from the fee.

It is hoped the move will reduce pollution in London and improve air quality, while also helping to cut carbon emissions.

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone officially launched the zone on Monday and explained that by using the zone the number of Londoners exposed to oxides of nitrogen and fine particles will fall from 1.3 million to 400,000 and 500,000 to 70,000 respectively by 2012.

The zone has been welcomed by a number of health organisations including Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation.