London must ban cars to hit CO2 targets

• Goal of 60% CO2 reduction by 2025
• Figures suggest only 10-23% drop realistic
• Study says total car ban is required

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Central London must ban all cars if it is to hit emission reduction targets.

That's the verdict of research by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine at Oxford University, which says that radical action is necessary for the Greater London Authority to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by its stated aim of 60% by 2025.

The research found that London is on course to reduce land transport emissions by only between 10-23% at present.

However, it discovered that if cars were banned from central London, emissions would be cut by 72% by 2030.

Following the report's publication, Green Party member Jenny Jones said: 'I have asked the London mayor to do a feasibility study into creating a car-free pedestrian zone in central London, linking all the main squares and parks.

'We need to show that the car no longer rules in London and that the future is based upon public transport, cycling and walking.'