Sadiq Khan defends hitting drivers with ULEZ expansion by claiming air pollution reduces sperm count

SADIQ Khan has defended hitting drivers in the pocket by saying it will give men higher sperm counts.

The mayor is under fire over expanding his Ultra Low Emission Zone to include all London boroughs — leaving motorists with older vehicles facing £12.50-a-day fees.

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But Mr Khan said a review he commissioned showed exposure to pollution can damage testicles as well as stunt lung growth and increase the risk of miscarriages and dementia.

He called the report from Imperial College London a “startling reminder that toxic air is a matter of life and death”.

He added: “From evidence of lowering sperm count to impacting foetal development, air quality can even have a major impact pre-birth. Taking action must be an absolute priority.”

But Nick Rogers, City Hall’s Tory transport spokesman, said: “Sadiq Khan’s latest comments are yet another desperate attempt at justifying the devastating impact of his Ulez expansion.

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“His plans will have next to no impact on air quality in Outer London but thousands of Londoners will feel the pinch and many businesses and charities face closure.”

Several London councils have launched court challenges.