'We don’t have time to wait and see': air pollution protesters resort to direct action

Campaigners vow to continue to block traffic at sites across London until their demands are heard and political action to reduce pollution levels is taken

As the green man appeared on the pedestrian crossing a couple of dozen people dressed in Santa hats and tinsel shuffled into the road at one of London's busiest roundabouts.

Moments later, in the early morning gloom, a banner was unfurled and the small group of pensioners, students and workers - armed with home-made road signs and leaflets - had blocked both lanes of the dual carriageway.