London’s pollution levels endanger Olympics

The air pollution levels on the streets of London are in breach of the European Union’s legal limits, and could prevent the capital from meeting key conditions for hosting the 2012 Olympic games.

This contention has been made by Green party members on the London assembly, who are calling for the International Olympics Committee (IOC) to investigate London’s air quality as the city prepares for the games. The Host City Contract requires that London complies with environmental law in the preparation and hosting of the Olympics.

Green Party London Assembly member Darren Johnson said, “The Government recently admitted that it is highly unlikely that it will meet targets for reducing nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter and ozone.

“The IOC must investigate whether this would be a breach of the contract signed when London won the bid.”

The Green party wants to see traffic reduced in London by cars being replaced by buses, pedestrian walkways, and cycle lanes. They also want the capital to stop investing in wider roads and car parks, which according to Johnson “generate more traffic.”

The Olympic Delivery Authority has promised to make London 2012 the greenest Olympics yet, with low waste, low carbon emissions and green transport methods.