Working for Cleaner Air
Summary of what we do
Working for cleaner air - summary
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Every year in Britain up to 24,000 people die from the effects of poor air quality. Improving the quality of the air we breathe and the health of our residents has to be a priority for the Council.
We know that in Hammersmith & Fulham, air quality and pollution are among resident's top concerns. We have carried out a review across the whole borough, measuring levels of major, harmful pollutants. Not surprisingly, for a borough criss-crossed by commuter routes, heavy traffic has a major impact on air quality. Many areas of the borough will fail to meet government targets which have been set for improving air quality by 2005. Even in residential areas away from main roads, pollution levels could still be quite high.
In order to improve air quality and make Hammersmith & Fulham a healthier place for everyone, the Council is proposing the whole borough be designated an Air Quality Management Area. This means that the next step is to put together an Action Plan to improve air quality borough wide. What goes into this Action Plan will be the subject of another consultation in the future. For now, we want to know what you think about our air quality review and our plans for a borough wide Air Quality Management Area. Is this a good idea? Should we limit the area to places where the pollution levels are highest? Are there any important issues our review has not considered? We want to hear your views.
THE GOVERNMENT'S AIR QUALITY STRATEGY
The Government has set health based targets for all major pollutants. If the targets are not likely to be met, an Air Quality Management Area must be designated followed by an Action Plan to help improve air quality in the area by 2004/5.
THE RESULTS OF THE AIR QUALITY REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT
The study indicates that Government targets for reducing most pollutants by 2004/5 will be met. However, three pollutants – nitrogen dioxide, particulates and sulphur dioxide – are likely to exceed the targets in the areas shown on the map. This means that there will be occasions when pollution is too high.
The worst nitrogen dioxide and particulates problems are along many major roads in the Borough. Areas away from those roads are also predicted to have levels of pollution only just below the target levels. The sulphur dioxide pollution can be blown across London from industry and power stations in east London.
We have to designate an AQMA wherever people will be exposed to air that does not meet the targets. Forecasting is always uncertain, particularly because the weather has a part to play in how pollution spreads. Because much of the Borough is only just below the targets, we think its best to take a cautious approach and include all residential areas.
WHAT HAPPENS IN AN AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT AREA?
We will want to focus on ways of cutting the overall levels of traffic pollution. The Council already takes action to encourage public transport use, cycling and walking; as well as traffic management and work on safe routes to schools. We also look carefully at the traffic impact of development schemes. In addition, there could be greater encouragement of low emission vehicles. In the Council's own fleet, as well as switching to cleaner diesel fuel, we have introduced 67 electric or gas powered vans. We will continue implenting similar and other measures.
We also aim to work closely with other Councils, looking, for instance, at particular road corridors such as the A40. The extent of pollution in the Borough suggests we have much in common with central London boroughs and should aim to work with them on joint solutions. The Mayor of London also has an important role in drawing up a London Air Quality Strategy.
HOW WE MONITOR AIR QUALITY
There are two automatic air quality monitoring stations in the borough. One is at Hammersmith Broadway which feeds information into the London Air Quality Network. The other (mobile) station is currently in Shepherd's Bush near the Post Office. We also check pollution at 8 other monitoring points.
AIR QUALITY & HEALTH
Up to 24,000 people die prematurely in Britain every year because of the effects of pollution. Many more require hospital treatment for heart and lung problems. Poor air quality is particularly serious for sections of the community such as the sick and the elderly. Nitrogen Dioxide is a gas. The pollution is largely from vehicles and affects lung function, causing breathing problems. Particulates are small particles from a variety of sources but especially vehicles. They affects respiratory and cardiovascular systems and can help take carcinogens into the lungs. Sulphur Dioxide is a gas. The pollution is largely from industrial sources and causes constriction of the airways.
How to Find Out About Air Quality in the Borough
Daily air pollution forecasts are on display at Hammersmith Town Hall reception, FuIham Town Hall reception and on the electronic display in Hammersmith Town Centre.
The London Air Quality Network and other information is on the internet at www.seiph.umds.ac.uk.
How to Get More Information About the Air Quality Assessment
You can see a copy of the full air quality report at:
- Here
- Your local library
- Hammersmith Town Hall Information Office
- Fulham Town Hall Information Centre
- Hammersmith Broadway Information Centre
- Environment Department Reception (3rd Floor Hammersmith Town Hall Extension)
For more information
Tel 020 8573 3431
E-mail paul.baker@lbhf.gov.uk
Write to the address below
The Policy Group
Environment Services Department
London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
Town Hall extension
King Street
London
W6 9JU
