Nearly half of Londoners fear poor air quality has had a negative effect on their health, according to new research.

Asthma, breathing difficulties and coughing are the most common problems linked to air pollution in the capital.

The first specific air quality research to find out how much Londoners know about pollution and the impact it has on their lives was conducted by London Councils.

The organisation, which represents all 32 boroughs and the City of London, asked 1,000 residents to take part in its online research.

Three out of four agreed that air quality is an issue in the capital, with 38 per cent strongly agreeing.

The figure rose to more than four out of five (80 per cent) among those who are newer to London, those who cycle, those who use public transport and those whose health is affected by pollution.

The findings also showed 46 per cent said poor air quality had had an impact on their health, with asthma, breathing difficulties and coughing reported most frequently.

Just one in 20 of the people polled (five per cent) said they owned an electric vehicle while 71 per cent said they don’t currently cycle in London.

Councillor Julian Bell, London Councils’ executive member for transport and environment, said: “This research is the first of its kind to be carried out in the capital and highlights the very real concerns many Londoners have about air pollution and its impact on their health day-to-day.”