Archived press release

Poor hit hardest by transport pollution

16 June 1999

Environmental Justice Seminar, Healthy Planet Forum,
Methodist Central Hall, Westminster, Abzug Room, 9:30- 5:00

People living in areas with the lowest car ownership suffer from worse traffic pollution than those living in richer areas with high car ownership. And death rates and ill health are worse in those areas too. That's the shocking conclusion of a new research report launched at a joint Friends of the Earth Environmental Justice Seminar today.

The research findings - by Dr Simon Stevenson of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine - follow results published earlier this week that traffic pollution now kills more people than road accidents. Friends of the Earth said that this research should be a"wake-up call to New Labour" on the need for cuts in road traffic..

The new academic research focussed on London and studied the number of people dying and in ill health, the levels of air pollution, the number of roads in the area, the level of car-ownership and levels of deprivation. Its conclusions are clear. In London, poorer people suffer most from traffic pollution, largely caused by richer people living in comparatively clean environments.

The seminar where the research is being presented also features speakers on other forms of environmental injustice. Other speakers include representatives of the Black Environment Network, the Black Sea Law Community and the Environmental Law Foundation. Friends of the Earth will also be presenting their research on how polluting industries are mostly located in poorer neighbourhoods. The seminar will be held at the Healthy Planet Forum, Methodist Central Hall, Westminster, Abzug Room, 9:30 - 5:00.

Dr Stevenson will be presenting his findings at 10.55 am.

Roger Higman, Friends of the Earth Senior Transport Campaigner commented:
"This research shows that traffic pollution is mainly caused by the better off, but the poor feel its effects. The Government must respond to this research by announcing clear targets for road traffic reduction. Surely people everywhere, whatever their income, should have an equal right to breathe clean air."

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