London street is pollution hotspot
One of central London’s main thoroughfares is the UK’s worst pollution hot spot, according to a new survey.
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy found that levels of nitrogen dioxide on Marylebone Road are almost three times above the target set by the Government.
It is one of 25 nitrogen dioxide hotspots across the UK – areas where it is above the Government’s 2005 target level – 15 of which are in greater London. Glasgow, Bury, Oxford, Bath and Bristol are also among the hotspots named in the report.
According to respiratory physiotherapists, high levels of nitrogen dioxide and other similar gases can irritate the airways of the lungs and increase the symptoms of those suffering from lung diseases such asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Government estimates suggest that cars account for more than 80 per cent of the nitrogen dioxide emissions in large urban areas.
The CSP’s Grahame Pope said: “When it comes to nitrogen dioxide, cars are the main culprits so we are asking people to consider alternative ways of getting from A to B. Using public transport would cut the number of cars on the road, but for cleaner air, healthier lungs and fitter bodies, we are urging people to walk or cycle where possible.”
Mayor of London Ken Livingstone is bringing forward a range of initiatives to tackle the problem, including banning polluting lorries, coaches and buses from the capital.
He said: “Because of its size, population and economic activity, London suffers the worst air quality in the country. That is why I am going to make Greater London a Low Emission Zone, banning the most polluting lorries, coaches and buses from the capital.
“London will be the only major city in the world to have taken such a radical step to tackle air pollution. Congestion charging in central London has already reduced emissions of nitrogen oxides and fine particles, the pollutants of main concern, by 12 per cent. I also plan new, strict emissions standards for London’s 20,000 black cabs.”
The Government wants no area to have a level of nitrogen dioxide that exceeds 40 micrograms per cubic metre by the end of 2005.
The level recorded in Marylebone Road was 108 micrograms per cubic metre, while London’s Cromwell road recorded the second highest level at 80 micrograms per cubic metre, and Glasgow recorded the third highest level at 70 micrograms per cubic metre.
The data was compiled using 110 automatic monitoring points in the UK.
