Sadiq Khan tried to 'silence' scientists who questioned impact of ULEZ scheme.
The ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) is aimed at improving air quality but has sparked controversy.
Sadiq Khan's office tried to "silence" scientists who found that his ULEZ policy had little impact on pollution, according to reports.
In an email exchange, Shirley Rodrigues, the London Mayor’s deputy for environment and energy, told Professor Frank Kelly that she was “really disappointed” Imperial College had publicised findings questioning the effectiveness of the scheme.
Prof Kelly, a director of the university's Environmental Research Group, which has been paid more than £800,000 by Mr Khan’s office since 2021, is said to have subsequently agreed to issue a statement saying ULEZ had helped to “dramatically reduce air pollution”.
Peter Fortune, the Conservative London Assembly Member for Bexley and Bromley, told The Telegraph: “It is unacceptable that Sadiq Khan and his deputy conspired to silence legitimate research because it would damage the Mayor’s reputation and credibility. Express.
