Montague, 32, who has not received a diagnosis for her breathing difficulties, lives in Lewisham, inside the ultra-low emission zone (Ulez), which was expanded in 2021 to cover a portion of the south-east London borough.
She cycles around the city frequently and says the air quality is noticeably better than when she used to cycle as a student in the years after moving to London. She sometimes cycles on the South Circular, a major road that will be covered by the expansion, and will be pleased to see Ülez encircle the entire city from tomorrow.
"It's so important for the lungs of Londoners and will make London greener," she says. "It is so horrible cycling and feeling the diesel fuel particles go into your lungs."
Though Montague is not a motorist, she understands the frustrations of those who will have their livelihoods affected. "I do really feel for those who have to get a new vehicle or lose money from their business, but I believe that with compensation programmes this is perfectly reasonable. The planet and health are so much more important than cars."
While most Londoners support the expansion of Ulez, those living in the outer fringes are evenly split on the issue, according to a recent poll. The survey, by Redfield and Wilton Strategies in July, found that across the whole city, 47% backed the scheme's extension, while 32% were opposed to the idea.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 28, 2023 من The Guardian.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 28, 2023 من The Guardian.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
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