Sadiq Khan is pushing to ban wood-burning stoves in parts of London as he ramps up clean air efforts in the capital, according to reports.
The Mayor of London wants to create specific zero-emissions zones where log-burning stoves, bonfires, and the burning of “solid fuels” would be restricted in private homes and gardens.
The Telegraph reports Lord Khan has urged the government to give him and other local authority leaders more power to crack down on solid fuel burning by allowing them to ban the stoves.
In a formal submission to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Lord Khan requested to be able to enforce tougher rules in London.
Current restrictions mean he can create smoke control areas on council property, such as parks and allotments, but stop short of banning people from burning dry logs in wood burners that meet the current efficiency rules.
It comes after researchers warned burning wood indoors could cause damage akin to cigarette smoke as a new study linked the growing popularity of domestic wood burning to lung damage. Experts from University College London (UCL) said domestic wood burning is a major source of PM2.5 air pollution – tiny particles that penetrate deep into the lungs.
The Mayor has made London’s air quality a priority during his time in office, most notably by introducing the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (Ulez) in 2019. A recent study estimated a 40 per cent reduction in deaths linked to toxic air across the capital over the five years between the beginning of the scheme and 2024.
He has since argued for the further expansion of the Ulez scheme, saying there is “more to do”.
“The evidence is now overwhelming and unarguable: the bold action we have taken in London has reduced pollution, improved public health and saved lives,” he said following the results of the study earlier this year.
“From childhood asthma to dementia, we know what a wide range of illnesses are linked to air pollution. This latest data shows why expanding Ulez London-wide was even more important than we previously thought and is transforming lives right across our capital.
“The decision to expand the Ulez was not an easy decision, but it’s now proven beyond doubt that it was crucial to protect the health and lives of Londoners.
“However, I’m not complacent. Despite our incredible progress, there is still more to do.”
But his efforts have been met with criticism by would-be challenger Sir James Cleverly MP, who is planning to stand against him in the 2028 mayoral elections. He told The Telegraph the Mayor is “tying up London and Londoners in new red tape and bans”.
“Londoners need a mayor who will put policing our streets before policing our homes and gardens, prioritising getting things built over having a row with people about log burners,” he said.
“Instead of finding new ways to tie up London and Londoners in new red tape and bans, we need to unshackle London’s potential and build a safer, cheaper, and more ambitious city we can be proud of again.”
Defra said it stated it would support a further consultation on additional powers which could be devolved to the Mayor or London boroughs to limit where burning can take place, and introduce area-specific bans for high pollution areas.
It added strengthening these requirements is particularly important for London, where population density, the prevalence of homes in close proximity, and high existing pollution levels mean that even small increases in solid fuel burning can lead to disproportionately harmful air quality impacts.
The Mayor’s office has been contacted for comment.
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