London transport's ban on junk food adverts comes into effect
A ban on junk food advertising across London’s entire public transport network has come into effect on Monday.
Posters promoting food and drink that are high in salt and sugar will no longer be allowed on the underground, train and bus shelters from Monday onwards, except when necessary in order to comply with the advertising contracts which some companies have covering a longer space of time.
But once completed, those companies will also be subject to the new policy.
"We've already seen large advertisers confirm they will continue to advertise on the TfL network under the new rules - by advertising their products that are not too high in fat, salt and sugar," TfL said.
According to the BBC, a spokesperson for the mayor said: "The mayor is confident these changes will not only reduce children's exposure to junk food advertising, but also empower Londoners to make healthier food choices for themselves and their families."
They said Khan was "doing what he can with the powers he has, but is clear this is not a silver bullet that will solve this problem overnight".
After the announcement of the plan last May, the council received 1,500 responses, with 82% supporting the proposals.
London has one of the highest child overweight and obesity rates in Europe, with almost 40% of children aged 10 and 11 suffering from one of the two conditions.