How Southwark Is Improving Air Quality

However, many areas in London still need work. Southwark, in particular, has seen difficulties in maintaining clean air quality and is not currently meeting the legal limits for air pollution that have been set and regulated by EU legislation. Currently, a large portion of the borough has exceeded the NO2 pollution limits and a few locations have also exceeded the particulate matter pollution limit. As a result of this and to improve the quality of air in outdoor and indoor areas, Southwark declared an Air Quality Management Area.

Steps Taken for Air Quality Improvement in Southwark

As well as many other areas in London, Southwark Council has been implementing their plans to combat air pollution on a local level with several ongoing projects. In 2017, Southwark introduced engine idling enforcement which reduces needlessly running the vehicle engine. This will see a reduction in air pollution on roads, around schools, and other high traffic areas. Resulting in a cleaner environment for pedestrians and children.

The council have also been installing extra charging points around the area for electric vehicles, adding more electric vehicles to their fleet, and they also introduced a speed limit of 20mph on the roads that are overseen by the Council. This will encourage more people to use alternative methods of sustainable travel such as cycling or walking. It will also decrease the chances of road accidents.

Southwark Council has also been working with local schools and implementing campaigns such as the ‘School Streets’ campaign. This encourages schools to close roads outside of the school during certain times of the day, such as morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times. By restricting road usage during these times, the roads will be safer for children and it will also reduce air pollution around schools when pedestrians and children are likely to be outside.

In addition, the Council has been working with a range of businesses and organisations to further reduce air pollution, such as introducing low emission walking routes and low emission business neighbourhoods.

How Are Local Areas in Southwark Improving Air Quality?

As previously mentioned, Southwark Council is working on a local level to reduce air pollution and they are encouraging all residents to take part. The Council urges residents to commit to one change in order to reduce pollution, out of a shortlist of changes.

Residents are encouraged to:

• Use sustainable travel or transport (such as electric vehicles, walking, or cycling).
• Opt for public transport where possible to avoid congestion and further air pollution.
• Use less electricity and gas at home.
• Opt for ‘Click and Collect’ with deliveries to reduce the need for delivery vehicles on the road.

How Can Businesses Limit Air Pollution & Improve Air Quality?

To limit air pollution in the borough, the Council has implemented stricter rules for all applications that could have a negative effect on the quality of air. Businesses will need to consider air pollution with the following applications:

• Planning applications
• Parking and traffic control
• Fleet vehicle management
• Parking and traffic control
• Green travel and walking

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