Pollution levels could be reduced if proposals to extend the ultra-low emission zone as far as the North and South Circular roads are approved.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has launched a consultation on plans to tackle the capital’s toxic air by charging high polluting vehicles to enter parts of London.

The zone will feature all roads within the North and South Circular boundary, but not the roads themselves - and would include the whole of Tower Hamlets

If approved, the standards would be applied for buses, coaches and lorries from October 2020, and for cars, vans and motorbikes from October 2021, with some exemptions.

Vehicles in the latter category which do not meet the standards would have to pay £12.50 a day, on top of any congestion charge payments if they pass through central London, while those in the latter category would be hit with a £100 daily fee.

The zone would be an expansion of the current T-charge, or toxicity charge, which sees high polluting vehicles charged an additional £10 a day to travel within the current congestion charge zone.

The T-charge is being replaced by the ultra-low emission zone from April 2019.

Mr Khan said: “I am determined to take the bold action needed to protect the public from London’s poisonous, deadly air.

“I can’t ignore the shameful fact that London’s air is so toxic it harms children’s lungs, exacerbates chronic illness and contributes to thousands of premature deaths each year.”

Alex Williams, director of city planning at Transport for London, added: “The mayor has set out his vision for how harmful emissions will be dramatically reduced in the capital and we are working full speed to deliver his ambitious agenda.

“The plan to expand the ultra low emission zone up to the North and South Circular is the next step change needed towards bringing the city’s air within legal limits.

“We look forward to Londoners helping us shape these proposals through the consultation.”

To have your say, visit tfl.gov.uk/airquality-consultation by February 28.

A final decision on whether to go ahead with the proposals, or whether any modifications are required, is expected to be made in the spring.