Emissions over double legal limit at Fullwell Cross Library in Redbridge
(Thursday 9 May, Redbridge) Air pollution at a Redbridge location has exceeded the legal limit four on four occasions over the recent bank holiday weekend, prompting calls for the Ultra Low Emission Zones to be extended to the outer London boroughs by a leading local cycling campaign group. Currently, it there are plans to extend to the A406 in 2020, meaning that most of the borough will not be covered.
“Our volunteers took readings outside Fullwell Cross Library in advance of a public meeting that we are holding to discuss measures the council can take to encourage more cycling and walking in the borough,” said a Redbridge Cycling Campaign spokesperson.
The nitrogen dioxide pollution (NOx) limit breaches show that readings outside Fullwell Cross Library in Ilford North recorded readings up to 90.5 micrograms per cubic metre, compared with the 40μg/m3 limit set out in the government’s air quality objectives.
The emissions breach is despite action taken by the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who introduced cleaner buses on routes throughout Redbridge and charges to deter dirty vehicles from central London put in place last month.
Clean air plans put forward by ministers have already twice been declared illegal at the high court for failing to cut air pollution in the shortest time possible, as EU law requires.
“Redbridge, in this case in Fullwell and Fairlop, are still breathing filthy air, but the council and mayor can’t solve this problem alone. The government has to get a grip and show they’re serious about protecting our health by committing to real action to tackle our toxic air,” said Kris Sangani.
In September 2017, the UN’s special rapporteur on pollution said the government was “flouting” its duty to protect the lives and health of its citizens and the problem was declared a public health emergency by a cross-party committee of MPs in April 2016.
Modern air pollution records for London began in 2000. Nitrogen dioxide pollution, mostly produced by diesel vehicles, has been illegally high in many parts of London.
Particulate pollution is also a serious health hazard and research released in October 2017 showed every person in the capital is breathing air that exceeds World Health Organisation guidelines.
Sadiq Khan introduced a wide ultra-low emissions zone (ULEZ) in London in 2019 for inner London and plans to limit the use of wood-burning stoves in future.
Khan has awarded Redbridge Council more than £3 million to transform access to Ilford town centre and tackle an air pollution hotspot.
The successful bid will enable the council to create segregated cycle lanes for safer travel and bridges for pedestrians and cyclists over the River Roding and Aldersbrook.
Improved access to open space along the river Roding valley and cycle links to Wanstead, Stratford, Barking and Essex are also part of the transformational scheme to reduce car use, improve air quality and turn local areas into safer, greener and healthier places for Londoners to live.
Redbridge Cycle Campaign are holding a series of public meetings in different parts of the borough. The next meeting will be held at Fullwell Cross Library at 7.30pm on Monday 13th of May (next Monday). The full results of the readings will be presented. Local residents will also have an opportunity to discuss measures to encourage more active travel in Ilford North.
Redbridge Cycling Campaign was started in 1991 to improve conditions for cyclists in the London Borough of Redbridge. They meet regularly to review projects and work, discuss matters to be raised with local authorities and organise social rides and events. They also organise cycle maintenance workshops. Full details can be found here: https://redbridgecycling.wordpress.com.
Full Readings
Location: Fullwell Cross Library. Readings are micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m3) of nitrogen dioxide (NOx).
3 May 2019, 5.15pm: 90.525
4 May 2019, 8.05am: 80.236
5 May 2019, 11.00am: 85.795
6 May 2019, 19.00pm: 89.483
Redbridge Cycling Campaign 