Mayor of London Sadiq Khan proposes to ban junk food adverts across TfL network

Adverts for junk food could soon be banned across the entire Transport for London (TfL) network.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is proposing to ban the adverts on all tube, bus and tram routes.

Mr Khan says the plans are proposed because stats have revealed nearly 40% of children in the capital between the ages of 10 and 11 are overweight or obese.

He announced the plans in a tweet from his official Mayor of London Twitter account on Friday (May 11).

The tweet said: “Almost 40% of London’s children aged 10 and 11 are overweight or obese.

“So I’m proposing to ban adverts for junk food from our entire tube, bus and tram network to reduce the pressure on children and families to make unhealthy choices.”

He also posted a picture that said: “We have to act.”

Mr Khan said the plan to ban junk food adverts is backed by expert research “that shows it will help reduce child obesity”.

Alison Cox, of Cancer Research UK, said: “Research shows that young people are more than twice as likely to be obese if they can remember seeing a junk food advert ever day compared to those who couldn’t recall any over a month.”

After announcing the news, Twitter users posted their thoughts on the proposal.

Gavin R Iball said: “Teach parents how to cook from scratch, kids are not reading tube ads, too busy with mobiles and gaming devices. Lifestyle choices, need more supper clubs, home cooked food and more exercise.”

Ashley Manoff said: “Nothing wrong with a McDonald’s just not for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. People need to be accountable for actions - this is nuts. At 10 or 11 the parents need to take responsibility.”

Adam Tansley added: “What about banning fast food outlets? Banning adverts really isn’t going to have much of an impact on those already over weight. Encouragement of regular exercise will have a better impact.”