Climate campaigners have asked operators of the London underground and the Rail Network to remove ads that promote cars to encourage more people to choose more sustainable transport.

Climate charity Possible, thinktank New Weather Institute and activist network Adfree Cities wrote a joint letter to executives dubbing these ads “an extraordinary act of self-sabotage” against public transport.

Leo Murrey, Co-Director of Possible, said: “It’s clear that adverts for cars undermine the interests of a public transport network like TfL.

“In 2019, to reflect the requirements of the Mayor’s London Food Strategy, TfL amended its advertising policies to prohibit junk food ads in an attempt to cut obesity and encourage healthier food purchases.

“If these advertisements have been identified as doing enough damage to public health to deserve a complete ban from TfL’s estate, then it is surely time for high-carbon advertising to be subject to the same logic.”

A TfL spokesperson told ELN: “We are considering the letter related to climate concerns and advertising on our network. We continue to adhere to the guidance issued by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) who we understand is currently considering the role of advertising in relation to the environment.

“We will of course make sure that all adverts on the TfL network align with any further guidance the ASA issues on this subject.”

ELN has approached Rail Network for comment.