Avoiding Air Pollution: Tips For Londoners

London has long struggled with air pollution, which poses a health risk to its residents. In fact, London's air pollution levels frequently break both UK legal and World Health Organization (WHO) limits for nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and WHO limits for PM2.5. The city's air pollution is largely caused by road transport, as well as domestic and commercial heating systems. To avoid air pollution in London, individuals can take public transportation or opt for walking or biking instead of driving. They can also avoid busy main roads in favour of quieter side roads and off-road routes. Additionally, when purchasing a new car, individuals can opt for the cleanest model possible and avoid older diesel cars, which tend to be more polluting.

Check air pollution data and forecasts on the LondonAir website or app

London's air pollution is a serious issue, regularly breaking UK legal and World Health Organization (WHO) limits for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and PM2.5. The city's air pollution levels present a health risk to its residents, especially those living near busy roads, with evidence of increased health risks for those exposed to these areas.

To actively avoid air pollution in London, it is important to stay informed about the air quality and pollution forecasts. The LondonAir website and app are excellent tools for this purpose. LondonAir is a reliable source of real-time air pollution data and forecasts, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your daily activities and routes.

The LondonAir website, londonair.org.uk, is a comprehensive platform that offers the latest air pollution monitoring data. It provides detailed information on various pollutants, including PM2.5 (fine particulate matter), PM10 (respirable particulate matter), NO2 (nitrogen dioxide), SO2 (sulfur dioxide), CO (carbon monoxide), and O3 (ozone). By regularly checking the website, you can gain valuable insights into the current and forecasted air quality in London.

Additionally, LondonAir offers a convenient mobile app, available for both iPhone and Android smartphone users. The app brings the power of real-time air pollution data to your fingertips, allowing you to access information on the go. With the app, you can easily check the current air quality before stepping out and make any necessary adjustments to your plans or travel routes.

By utilising the LondonAir website and app, you can take a proactive approach to minimising your exposure to air pollution in London. This can include planning your outdoor activities for times when air quality is better or choosing less polluted routes for your daily commute or recreational activities. Staying informed through these tools can help you make small but significant changes to your daily routine, ultimately contributing to a healthier lifestyle in the city.

Avoid buying older diesel cars, they're more polluting than petrol models

If you're looking to buy a car, it's best to avoid older diesel models. These cars tend to be more polluting than petrol vehicles. Instead, opt for the cleanest car you can buy. Check the car's 'Euro standard' – this is the air pollution standard the car was built to meet. The standard ranges from 'Euro 1' (the worst) to 'Euro 5' (the best). You can find this information in the car's logbook or by searching the government's online database.

If you're in London, the city's air pollution levels are a serious concern. It's been found that air pollution in London has contributed to thousands of premature deaths each year. The problem is particularly acute near busy roads, so if you live or work in these areas, it's essential to take steps to protect yourself.

To avoid exposure to air pollution, it's recommended to walk, cycle, or take public transportation instead of driving. You can also plan your routes to avoid busy main roads and stick to quieter side streets or off-road paths.

To stay informed about air quality in London, there are several resources you can use. The LondonAir website and app provide real-time air pollution data and forecasts. You can also refer to the UK-Air website, which is the government's official source of information on air quality. Additionally, the Clean Air in Cities app offers insights into the health impact of long-term exposure to dangerous airborne particles.

By staying informed, making smart choices when purchasing a car, and adjusting your transportation habits, you can significantly reduce your exposure to air pollution in London.

Walk, cycle or take public transport instead of driving

Walking, cycling, or taking public transport are great alternatives to driving in London. This is because the busiest roads in London tend to be the most polluted parts of the city. By choosing not to drive, you can reduce your exposure to harmful pollutants and also help reduce the overall pollution levels in the city.

If you live or work near one of these busy roads, try to plan your walks or bike rides to avoid them. Opt for quieter side roads or off-road routes instead. This way, you can still enjoy the benefits of exercising outdoors without breathing in as many toxic emissions.

To make walking or cycling more enjoyable, consider investing in a good pair of walking shoes or a comfortable bicycle. You can also download apps like the LondonAir app or the Clean Air in Cities app, which provide real-time air pollution data and help you plan your routes to avoid the most polluted areas.

Using public transport is another effective way to reduce your impact on air pollution. London has an extensive public transport network, including the Tube, buses, and trains, which can get you to most places in the city quickly and efficiently. By choosing public transport over driving, you can help reduce the number of vehicles on the road and, consequently, the amount of pollution they emit.

Avoid busy main roads, stick to quieter side roads and off-road routes

To avoid air pollution in London, it is recommended to stick to quieter side roads and off-road routes when walking or cycling. This is because areas around London's busiest roads tend to be the most polluted parts of the city.

To find quieter routes in London, you can make use of several online tools and maps. For instance, Google Maps allows you to turn on a cycling layer, which displays all the cycle-friendly side roads with a dotted green line. Similarly, City Mapper provides cycle maps and suggests routes that are part of the quiet network, even allowing you to choose between quiet, normal, and fast routes. Another option is Komoot, which some users report to be useful in finding quieter routes, although it may result in a longer total distance.

In addition to these digital tools, you can also refer to specific areas in London known for their peaceful and calm surroundings. For example, Hampstead offers tranquil tree-lined streets, Marylebone has hidden shops, Kensington boasts calm garden squares, and gentle stretches of the Thames provide a serene experience.

Furthermore, you can utilise resources such as the LondonAir website and its accompanying mobile app to access the latest air pollution data, forecasts, and maps. This information can guide you in planning your routes to avoid busy main roads and minimise your exposure to air pollution.

Find out if your local authority is taking action to improve air quality

Local authorities in London are required to take proactive action to improve air quality. Under the Local Air Quality Management framework, they must assess their air quality for specified pollutants and submit Annual Status Reports. If the concentration of pollutants is above legal limits, they must declare an Air Quality Management Area and devise an Air Quality Action Plan to address the issue.

You can find out if your local authority is taking action by checking their website for their Air Quality Action Plan and Annual Status Reports. For instance, Hackney Council has an Air Quality Action Plan detailing how they are improving air quality across the borough, as well as Annual Status Reports with yearly data from diffusion tube monitoring stations.

You can also refer to the London Atmospheric Emission Inventory (LAEI), a database of pollutant emissions and sources that is regularly updated and includes air quality modelling to estimate pollution levels across London. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) also provides a UK air pollution forecast map where you can search by postcode to find the latest air pollution levels for your area.

Additionally, you can visit londonair.org.uk/map-maker and enter your postcode to create an annual pollution map for your local area. This can help you identify areas of high pollution and plan alternative routes to avoid them. The Clean Air Hub, provided by Global Action Plan, is another resource for news and case studies related to air quality.

Frequently asked questions