The opportunity to breathe clean air is a basic human right. Denial of that right leads to poorer health, especially among vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly and those with asthma.

Air pollution in the Borough is now continually monitored at 4 locations as part of the London Air Quality Network. But while sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are measured, carbon monoxide (CO), largely emitted by traffic, is not. Results are reviewed by the council annually. Of more concern than, say, SO2 which affects the upper respiratory tract, causing coughing, are the presence of particulates (termed PM10s) which can lead to lung damage. It was agreed that the public should be told more fully and more regularly about air quality statistics; whether for some it is safe to leave the house. Certainly a bland description of 'good' or 'bad' air quality is not adequate.

It is important to determine, using a denser network of monitoring stations, the contributions made to air pollution by industry and traffic respectively. Industrial pollution can be identified and curbed through legislation. The curbing of pollution caused by traffic requires radical reassessments of public transport availability in the borough. Car drivers should be encouraged to use alternative transport. At present, UK emission standards do not comply with EU standards but the designation of Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) will enable resources to focus on the most seriously affected areas.

At present, the impact of extending the Mayor's Congestion Charge closer to the Borough is unknown, but will be monitored closely by the LA21 Forum.

Indicators

London Transport statistics enable us to select, from the bus routes that pass through the borough, a combination of waiting times and punctuality rates that will indicate the state of traffic congestion and the consequent impact upon the community.