08 November 2007, 17:40 PM
  • Over 90% of Londoners have called for action to address the environmental impact caused by throw-away plastic bags, a consultation by London Councils reveals.

The organisation, which unites the capital’s 33 councils, ran the consultation between 14th September and 26th October. In total, 1,752 people took part. An extensive list of industry, environmental and Government bodies were also contacted directly.

The results show that 58.2% have called for a ban on plastic bags in the capital and a further 34.4% were favourable to a levy system as the way forward. It means more than nine out of ten Londoners are favourable to action being taken on that matter.

This happens a little less than a month before London Councils deposits the 10th Local Authority Bill in Parliament. The result of the consultation will be considered by London’s Councils’ Leaders Committee on 13th November, which will decide what proposals regarding plastic bags should be included in the bill.

Councillor Sean Brennan, vice-chair at London Councils says, “Londoners have clearly signalled that they want action on plastic bags – feeling strongly enough to call on an outright ban. I am sure London’s council leaders will listen to their calls before finalising the proposal in the 10th London Local Authority Bill.”