A "high" air pollution alert has been triggered for London tomorrow (Tuesday 10 November), with vulnerable Hackney residents being urged to take extra care.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan issued the warning on the advice of forecasters at Imperial College London, who are predicting high levels of particle pollution across the capital.
Dense fog and very light winds over the weekend allowed pollution to build up and hang over the city into Monday morning, according to City Hall.
Smoke from Bonfire Night and Diwali fireworks, along with wood burning, is likely to have added to the problem, according to the Mayor's office.
It is the fourth high pollution alert London has seen this year.
Vulnerable residents at risk
People with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other existing conditions are most at risk of short-term health effects at these levels, which are well above World Health Organization guidelines.
GPs and A&E departments have been sent extra information so they can advise vulnerable patients. The alert will also be shown on bus stop countdown signs and on the Underground.
'Do your bit'
City Hall is asking Londoners to walk, cycle or take public transport where they can, and to avoid the busiest roads.
It also asks drivers to car share and switch off their engines when stationary. Residents are being asked not to burn garden waste or light wood burners and open fires unless they need to.
Deputy mayor for environment and energy Mete Coban, a former Hackney councillor, said: "Toxic air is responsible for thousands of premature deaths in London each year, which is why the Mayor has done everything in his power to tackle it, which includes launching the world's largest clean air zone.
"It is really important we all do our bit to protect those who are most vulnerable as we continue working to build a safer and greener London for all."
How the alerts work
City Hall's alert system, set up in 2016, sends warnings to schools, boroughs and the public when moderate, high or very high pollution is forecast.
Forecasts are checked against airTEXT, the Met Office and London Air. Since 2024 the alerts have also gone to NHS GPs and emergency department consultants.
Residents can sign up for alerts at london.gov.uk.
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