Coronavirus: Traffic pollution in London fell by up to 50% during lockdown, study finds

Londoners urgently want action to tackle air pollution, surveys reveal

I had imagined moving back to London and cycling my bike in the new cycle lanes and enjoying some kind of new, green urban utopia (Getty)

Major pollution hotspots in London saw toxic emissions fall by up to 50 per cent at rush hour during lockdown, new research has revealed

On average the pollutant nitrogen oxide decreased by 30 per cent on or near key routes through the city including at Borough High Street, Cowcross Street - near Farringdon train station, and South Street - next to Park Lane.

The research, by the Environmental Defense Fund Europe (EDFE) and the charity Global Action Plan, also found 73 per cent of Londoners are not happy at having to travel at rush hour.