For and against 'It is so horrible feeling diesel fuel particles go in your lungs'

Since moving to London in 2016, Alice Montague has noticed that her lungs have taken a hit. "Every time I have a big laugh, I cough," says the NHS worker, one of the Guardian readers whose view on the cleaner air zones we sought. "Maybe it's not that, but I attribute it to cycling in London pollution." When we speak, she is suffering from a chest infection.

- Clea Skopeliti, Jem Bartholomew

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.