Hundreds set for pollution protest in central London

Hundreds of protesters are set to gather outside the Department for Transport to demand action against air pollution in London.

Protesters have been asked to bring gas masks and teddy bears to the anti-pollution rally outside the Government building in Horseferry Road, Westminster, to highlight the dangers filthy air poses to children’s health.

Organisers Stop Killing Cyclists said in London, 9,500 people are dying every year while 95,000 live with illnesses such as lung disease, heart problems and cancers caused by toxic smog.

Last month, a YouGov poll found parents in the capital now see air pollution as the biggest health threat.

The demo comes on the day MPs said urgent action is needed to stop up to 50,000 people a year dying early from diseases related to air pollution.

Stop Killing Cyclists founder Donnachadh McCarthy said the timing of the published study was an “amazing coincidence”.

He said: “We made a strategic decision at the start of the year to highlight pollution. It is a wider issue than just cyclists as it affects drivers and pedestrians too.

“We have thousands of people dying in London from pollution alone but this is a national issue that demands national action, the death rate is appalling.”

Mr McCarthy said at least 300 people were expected at the rally.