A report released today by the London Green Party has revealed that air pollution levels in the capital are consistently illegal and dangerous to health.
In November and December, the Camden Green Party conducted a ‘citizen science’ study of air pollution levels at 21 locations in Highgate Ward, and the results were truly shocking. At four hotspots air pollution levels were nearly double the legal limit, and this was clearly related to traffic levels
The release of the Green Party’s report comes at a time when air pollution levels are at the maximum band – so high that people’s health is likely to be affected, according to Government monitoring. The Daily Air Quality Index, produced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), shows that air pollution in Greater London is at ‘level 10’, or ‘very high’, meaning EVERYONE should reduce physical exertion, particularly outdoors and that adults and children with lung problems, adults with heart problems, and older people, should avoid strenuous physical activity.
Green Party MEP Keith Taylor has called on local authorities to consider making public transport free this weekend – as has been done in Paris – in response to a wave of air pollution hitting the South of England.
Caroline Allen, London Green Party MEP candidate and campaigner for cleaner air, said:
“The Green Party’s findings prove that the Coalition Government and London Mayor Boris Johnson simply are not doing enough to protect Londoners from the killer problem that is air pollution, despite repeated warnings from the European Parliament. Every year, nearly 30,000 people die prematurely because of air pollution – yet the issue isn’t taken nearly as seriously as it should be.
“Nobody should be forced to stay indoors because of air pollution. That’s why we need to cut the amount of petrol-fuelled vehicles on our city centre roads and move towards cleaner transport solutions.”
The Green Party’s report found pollution across Highgate was high. Many residential streets were above the legal limit, at 40 to 45 μg/m3. On larger and busier streets, pollution was much worse – at 50 to 80 μg/m3. Even at the cafe on the Heath, a favourite spot for young families, the average nitrogen dioxide was 39 µg/m3, only just below the legally binding limit of 40, which aims to protect public health.
The Green Party is the only major party taking the issue of air pollution seriously and calling for workable solutions to the rising problem.
The Camden Green Party is holding a public action meeting tonight (March 14) to talk about ideas to reduce traffic and air pollution in Highgate Ward. The meeting, chaired by Bennett and attended by Councillor Maya de Souza and Sian Berry, who put together the report, will concentrate on long-term solutions and advise Londoners on how to avoid exposure.
WHERE AND WHEN:
Highgate Library Civic and Cultural Centre Annexe, Croftdown Road Friday 14 March, 19.00-21.00.