A REDBRIDGE mum has called for the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to be expanded even further to include the whole of London.

The zone expanded on October 25, now 18 times the size of the central London Zone and includes the North Circular and South Circular roads.

Lydia Fraser-Ward, 40, lives with her three-year-old autistic son in Woodford Green.

As part of his condition, routine is important and go to the park every day.

They attended Ray Park in Woodford Green which runs alongside the M11 and Elmhusrst Gradens in South Woodford which borders the North Circular - not currently in the ULEZ expansion.

Ms Fraser-Ward is “deeply concerned” about the impact of air pollution on her son’s health.

She said: “I believe it’s time for more children to reap the benefits of clean air.

“Air pollution is an invisible killer and responsible for approximately 4,000 premature deaths in London every year.

“I understand that many people need to use cars for work or family life, but not everyone understands the true risks of air pollution and the only way to begin to tackle the dangerously high levels in London is to ensure that people start driving low emission vehicles.”

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Lydia and her son playing in the parkLydia and her son playing in the park

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: “The Ultra Low Emission Zone expansion will improve air quality for millions of people across London, both inside and outside the zone.

“The ULEZ policies are predicted to avoid almost 300,000 new cases of air-quality related disease and over one million hospital admissions London-wide by 2050, saving the NHS and social care system almost £5 million.

"Almost all areas of London are expected to see reductions in pollution as a result of the scheme and the Mayor is currently considering a range of measures to deal with poor air quality on the remaining roads as soon as possible.”

Ms Fraser-Ward is also concerned about the lack of air pollution monitoring around parks in the borough.

A Redbridge Council spokesperson said: “The council is part of the Breathe London air quality monitoring programme and details of the monitoring locations of diffusion tubes are contained within the council’s Annual Status report 2020 which is posted on the council pollution information website.”