Greta Jimenez
London has been battling air pollution for years, with levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) above legal limits in almost 90% of urban areas since 2010. The UK Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010 set standards for pollutants that can harm human health and the environment, but London has failed to meet these standards. The city's air pollution is caused primarily by road transport and heating systems, with diesel vehicles being the main source of the problem. To avoid pollution in London, residents are advised to walk, cycle, or use public transport instead of driving. They can also use apps like LondonAir and Clean Air in Cities to monitor air pollution levels and plan their routes accordingly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pollution levels | Change daily, based on the weather |
| High-risk groups | Young children, the elderly, babies in the womb, asthmatics, people with heart and respiratory conditions, and those living in deprived areas |
| Walking | Reduces exposure to harmful gases by 30-60% |
| Walking routes | Taking side streets reduces exposure by 50% |
| Indoor activities | Avoid indoor wood burners, as they release high levels of particles; ventilate your house frequently |
| Cleaning products and household goods | Release gases and volatile organic compounds |
| Car journeys | Avoid unnecessary car trips, especially diesel vehicles |
| Public transport | Use public transport where possible |
| Engine idling | Avoid leaving your engine running |
| Burning garden waste | Avoid burning garden waste |
| London-wide initiatives | Ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) |
| London Borough initiatives | Declare an Air Quality Management Area, create an Air Quality Action Plan |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid busy roads
London has illegally high levels of toxic air, and diesel vehicles are the main source of the city's pollution problem. Marylebone Road and Hyde Park Corner, in central London, have the most polluted postcodes in Britain. Air pollution levels could stay above legal limits for the next decade if action isn't taken.
To avoid busy roads and reduce your exposure to harmful emissions, consider the following strategies:
- Opt for quieter routes: During peak times, choose quieter roads for walking or cycling to avoid breathing in harmful emissions from vehicles.
- Use side roads: Side streets typically have less traffic and, therefore, lower pollution levels. Taking a side street route can cut your pollution exposure by up to half.
- Check air quality: Utilize online resources to check the air quality in your area by entering your postcode. This can help you identify areas with better air quality to walk or cycle through.
- Avoid pollution hotspots: Pollution concentrates around areas with heavy traffic, such as dual-carriage roads, major junctions, and roads flanked by buildings. Identify and avoid these hotspots when planning your route.
- Utilize low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs): LTNs aim to reduce through traffic in residential areas by using barriers that prevent cars from using certain streets while keeping them open to pedestrians and cyclists. Consider planning your route through these neighbourhoods for reduced exposure to traffic and pollution.
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Take public transport
London has been notorious for its air pollution, with London Mayor Sadiq Khan issuing a 'high' air-pollution alert in January 2023. To tackle this issue, Khan urged Londoners to opt for walking, cycling, or taking public transport, while avoiding unnecessary car journeys.
Taking public transport is an effective way to reduce air pollution. Motor vehicle emissions contribute significantly to the world's energy-related greenhouse gases, and public transport can help mitigate these harmful environmental impacts. Public transportation, such as buses, trains, trams, and subways, often has a larger carrying capacity than private cars and is less likely to get stuck in traffic congestion. For instance, in London, while over 70% of trips are made by car, only about 10% are made by public transport.
By choosing public transport, you can help reduce the number of cars on the road and decrease vehicle emissions. Additionally, public transport can provide a more relaxing and convenient way to travel, especially for longer journeys or during peak traffic times. You can avoid the stress of driving in heavy traffic and the hassle of finding parking spaces.
Furthermore, public transport can be more cost-effective than driving, especially when considering the costs of fuel, parking fees, and vehicle maintenance. Many cities are also working to improve the affordability and accessibility of public transportation. For example, London's Mayor's Transport Strategy aims to increase sustainable modal share to 90% by 2041, and there are plans to make buses cheaper, more reliable, and fully electric.
Taking public transport is a simple yet impactful way to contribute to reducing air pollution in London. It not only helps improve the environment but also offers convenience, cost savings, and a more relaxed travel experience. So, the next time you consider travelling by car, remember that opting for public transport can make a positive difference.
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Walk on the building side of the pavement
Walking is a great way to improve your health and avoid exposure to harmful pollutants on busy roads. In London, you can reduce your exposure to harmful gases by up to 30% by simply walking on the building side of the pavement.
Air pollution levels can vary significantly within just a few metres, so staying away from the roadside is an effective way to avoid inhaling toxic air. This is especially important if you are walking with children, as they breathe more polluted air closer to the ground. Always keep prams and buggies back from the roadside, especially when waiting to cross the road.
Walking on the building side of the pavement is also beneficial for your safety. In the UK, where people drive on the left, it is recommended that pedestrians walk facing oncoming traffic so that they can see approaching vehicles and make eye contact with drivers. This is particularly important on roads without sidewalks or pavements, where pedestrians are more vulnerable.
While there is no formal rule about which side of the pavement to walk on in the UK, walking on the building side can provide a safer and less polluted walking experience. This simple action can help you avoid unnecessary exposure to harmful gases and improve your overall health.
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Check air pollution forecasts
To avoid pollution in London, it is important to check air pollution forecasts. This can be done through various websites and apps that provide real-time air quality data and forecasts for London. One such resource is the Clean Air Hub, which offers a forecasting app for phones that can be downloaded from the LondonAir website (londonair.org.uk). LondonAir also provides a daily email alert service and an interactive map maker tool, where you can enter your postcode to identify high pollution areas near you and plan less polluted routes.
Another source for real-time air pollution data in London is the Air Quality Index website (aqicn.org/city/london). This site provides specific data on various pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, and weather information. The Air Quality Index website also offers a Chrome extension and a Windows Desktop widget to easily access London's air quality data.
Additionally, you can refer to the London Air Quality Network (londonair.org.uk) and the Breathe London network, which provide current and average air quality levels through their monitoring networks. The Breathe London network also allows you to create an annual pollution map for your local area.
Furthermore, it is worth checking the UK-Air website from DEFRA UK Air (uk-air.defra.gov.uk) for air pollution alerts and updates. They also provide informative videos on how to stay updated with their air quality data. By utilising these resources, you can stay informed about air pollution forecasts in London and make informed decisions to avoid polluted areas.
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Avoid burning garden waste
Burning garden waste releases pollutants that are harmful to health and the environment. In fact, it is illegal in the UK to burn garden waste if it will cause pollution or harm people's health, as per the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Clean Air Act 1993.
To reduce exposure to harmful pollutants, it is recommended to opt for walking, cycling, or taking public transportation instead of driving. When walking near busy roads, staying on the building side of the pavement can reduce exposure to harmful gases by up to 30%.
- Composting: You can compost your garden waste or recycle it. Contact your local council to find out about recycling in your area.
- Green waste collection services: Research if there are any green waste collection services available in your area.
- Avoid burning: If you have too much waste to burn, consider calling a waste collection service to dispose of it in an ethical, legal, and responsible manner.
If you do choose to burn your garden waste, there are ways to minimise the amount of smoke produced:
- Keep the fire small and controlled: Larger fires tend to produce more smoke. Burn smaller amounts of waste at a time.
- Burn dry waste: Only burn garden waste that is completely dry, as this will help the fire burn hotter and produce less smoke.
- Use a designated burn pit or chiminea: These have better ventilation, which can reduce smoke.
- Choose favourable conditions: Burn on days with low winds, high pressure, and low humidity, as this will make it easier for the smoke to dissipate.
- Smokeless burners: Although they don't completely eliminate smoke emissions, "smokeless burners" can help decrease smoke production.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to avoid air pollution in London. Firstly, you can walk, cycle or take public transport instead of driving. You can also avoid busy main roads and stick to quieter side roads or off-road routes. If you are driving, avoid idling your engine.
You can reduce your exposure to air pollution by walking on the building side of the pavement, which can reduce your exposure to harmful gases by up to 30%. You can also check pollution levels on apps like LondonAir and Clean Air in Cities, and avoid going outside when pollution levels are high.
Air pollution is the world's largest single environmental health risk, and it affects everyone who lives and works in London. It is especially harmful to vulnerable groups, including children, older people, people with heart and respiratory conditions, and people living in deprived areas. Particulate pollution can harm the heart and lungs, and is linked to asthma and death.
London's Air Quality Strategy includes measures such as low-emission zones and clean air walking routes. The city is also working to reduce emissions from road transport and domestic and commercial heating systems, which are the main sources of pollution.
You can find information on the London City Hall, Clean Air London, and UK-Air websites. You can also download apps like LondonAir and Clean Air in Cities to get real-time data and forecasts on air pollution levels.
