London Issues Pollution Warning as Dense Fog Disrupts UK Transport

(MENAFN) London authorities issued a high air pollution alert on Monday after dense fog and weak winds caused harmful pollutants to accumulate over the weekend, while weather officials cautioned that fog could disrupt travel across several parts of the UK.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan called on residents to “minimise their exposure” to polluted air, according to his office.

Experts from Imperial College London recommended issuing the alert after foggy conditions and limited wind movement allowed pollution levels to build up and persist into Monday morning, the mayor's office said.

Smoke generated by Bonfire Night celebrations and Diwali fireworks was also considered a possible contributing factor.

Authorities advised residents to limit car journeys and avoid unnecessary burning activities at home.

Mete Coban, London's deputy mayor for environment and energy, said air pollution contributes to thousands of premature deaths in the capital annually. He urged residents to take precautions, particularly to protect vulnerable members of the community.

Meanwhile, the Met Office issued a yellow fog warning covering parts of England and Wales until 10 am local time (1000GMT) Monday. It cautioned that visibility could drop below 100 meters (328 feet), potentially causing delays to road, railway and air services.

The warning applied to locations stretching from Luton to Manchester. Forecasters expected the fog to lift during the morning, while colder and frosty weather was forecast for later in the week.

Fog had already caused significant traffic problems on Saturday, when a collision involving more than 30 vehicles forced the closure of part of the M20 motorway in Kent. Two people sustained serious injuries.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly said increasing cloud cover and stronger winds were expected to reduce the likelihood of further widespread fog.

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