They may not always agree with one another, but London's cabbies and cyclists are united in a common enemy: air pollution.
That was proved yesterday, as Ashok Sinha of the London Cycling Campaign (LCC) met Steve McNamara - General Secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) to agree a joint approach to air pollution.
The two met at Greenpeace's London headquarters, where they signed on to a proposal for a large city-wide Clean Air Zone that would phase the most polluting vehicles off the roads, protecting more Londoners from the impacts of air pollution.
A survey published yesterday shows that 62% of Londoners would back the scheme — including a number of car owners.
Said Steve McNamara: "As cabbies, we are subjected to the worst of London’s poor air – driving around in illegal levels of pollution on a daily basis. With congestion on the rise due to the spiralling number of private hire vehicles, London’s air quality is only going to get worse unless clear action is taken."
Ashok Sinha added: "A comprehensive Clean Air Zone for London would protect everyone's health. The London Cycling Campaign stands united with Greenpeace and London's cabbies in calling for the next mayor to adopt this win-win policy that would both save lives and make it safer and easier for Londoners to make many more of their journeys by cycle."
