Archived press release
Go to our press releases area for our current press releases.
500 roads in london may not meet Government pollution standards
13 January 1999
Air pollution levels on 500 roads in London could still break health standards by 2005 unless urgent action is taken to cut traffic levels, the Government admitted today (1).
The review of the National Air Quality Strategy, launched today by John Prescott, says that there will be significant problems meeting the Government's objectives for nitrogen dioxide(2), and that most of the problems will be in London.
Tony Bosworth, Friends of the Earth's Air Pollution Campaigner said:
“John Prescott says we have a right to clean air, yet thousands of Londoners will be living and working in streets where the air is still not fit to breathe, even in 2005. We must have action to cut traffic levels by investing in better public transport and making it safer and easier to cycle and walk in London”.
NOTE TO EDITORS
[1] One of the Government's objectives for nitrogen dioxide levels states that annual mean levels should not be above 21 parts per billion. The Government has identified“761 road links (stretches of road between major junctions) in London, Birmingham and a few other urban areas where concentrations at the roadside may exceed the objective. About 500 of these road links are in London” (Review of the UK National Air Quality Strategy para 219).
[2] Three-quarters of London's nitrogen dioxide comes from road traffic, with cars pumping out 43% of total emissions, and lorries 23%. Nitrogen dioxide can aggravate asthma conditions, and increase susceptibility to viral infection.
If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jul 2008
