Khan issues London air pollution alert for Tuesday

London Mayor Sadiq Khan issued a high air-pollution alert for Tuesday, November 10, urging residents, particularly those most vulnerable, to reduce their exposure as dense fog and light winds allowed pollution to build over the weekend.

The mayor’s office said forecasters at Imperial College London advised issuing the alert after pollution accumulated and lingered into Monday morning. It said smoke from Bonfire Night and Diwali fireworks was also likely to have contributed. The alert warned of high particle pollution, but the reports did not provide measured pollution readings.

Residents were advised to drive less and avoid unnecessary burning at home. Khan also urged drivers to switch off engines while stationary. Mete Coban, the deputy mayor for environment and energy, said it was important to protect vulnerable people, adding that air pollution is responsible for thousands of premature deaths in London each year.

The Met Office issued a yellow fog warning for parts of England and Wales through 10am Tuesday. It said visibility could fall below 100 metres in places and warned of possible public transport delays, slower journeys and flight disruption. The warning area extended...