A lung charity boss has backed the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and other clean air zones to help tackle high rates of emergency asthma admissions for children.

The comments from Tim Dexter, clean air lead at Asthma and Lung UK, come as data shows Brent had the highest childhood asthma hospital admissions rate in London in 2021/22.

The government Office for Health Improvement and Disparities counted the number of admissions for asthma in children up to nine years old.

According to the NHS, the number of paediatric asthma admissions across the capital peaked during September 2021, when children were returning to school.

Between August and September of that year, Brent saw an increase in nitrogen dioxide at all of its air pollution monitoring sites according to Greater London Authority data.

Mr Dexter said: "Asthma attacks peak in Brent during September as kids return to school and roads get busier."

He added: “It’s not right that children in Brent or Lewisham, where pollution and deprivation are high, face more asthma attacks than those in Barnet or Kensington and Chelsea.

“All kids deserve clean air; ULEZ and clean air zones help.”

London’s ULEZ was recently expanded to include the capital’s outer boroughs.

The £12.50 a day charge applies to those who drive more polluting cars in the zone.

London mayor Sadiq Khan has said that the charge is necessary to help tackle air pollution in London.