Boris told: Cut air pollution to save 3,000 deaths a year

Boris Johnson was today criticised for failing to tackle air pollution which contributes to the deaths of 3,000 Londoners a year - three times more than previously thought.

The London Assembly Investigation, Every Breath You Take, found London's air quality was having a severe impact on people's health.

It said a previous estimate of 1,000 deaths annually did not take into account higher levels of pollutants in London.

The capital's air quality is among the worst in the UK and Europe and well below EU targets. The findings of the Environment Committee will urge the Mayor to introduce a series of low-emission zones in central London, banning heavily emitting vehicles from pollution hot spots.

Other suggestions include reducing the Greater London Authority's use of diesel vehicles and fitting filters to reduce emissions by up to 90 per cent.

They also want Mr Johnson to use biofuel in public transport and launch a scheme with government funding to help people replace cars not suitable for the new low-emission zones.

Darren Johnson, chairman of the Environment Committee said: "Reducing air pollution is not just about improving the environment. It's about saving lives."

A spokeswoman for Mr Johnson said: "The Mayor is pursuing measures to cut pollution, including hybrid buses and cycle hire with 6000 bikes by 2010."