Call For A4 To Be Part of Ultra Low Emission Zone

Chiswick Liberal Democrats want TfL's plans to be radically changed

Chiswick Liberal Democrats have welcomed the proposal for Ultra Low Emission Zone extension which would impose a daily charge on vehicles with higher emissions including many diesel cars. However they are concerned that the A4, the busiest and most polluted route in Chiswick is excluded under current plans.

In a statement they said, "The area around the A4 has the highest levels of pollution in the borough and frequently exceeds the safe maximum levels of NO2, and the current plan will move more traffic that way.

"In our view the Mayor has missed a massive opportunity to reduce pollution for those who need it most in Chiswick by the exclusion of the A4 from the Ultra Low Emission Zone. St Mary’s and William Hogarth schools back onto the A4 and many people live near it" said Helen Cross, Liberal Democrat candidate for the Turnham Green ward.

Local Lib Dems with Caroline Pidgeon

"We still have time to make our voices heard, the consultation is open until the 28 February 2018, we urge residents to submit their own response or sign our petition which we will include with the Chiswick Liberal Democrat submission," she continued.

"Pollution on the A4 requires immediate attention; in Hounslow Council’s own draft Air Quality Action Plan issued in 2017 the A4 has the highest levels of toxic pollution in the borough. NO2 emissions are almost double the statutory limit and PM10 emissions just below the limit. This is an issue as long-term exposure to NO2 impacts respiratory development in children . PM10s are of concern as groups with pre-existing lung or heart disease, as well as elderly people and children, are particularly vulnerable to its adverse effects."

According to a World Health Organisation report,“There is no evidence of a safe level of exposure or a threshold below which no adverse health effects occur.”

Concerned Liberal Democrat council candidates for Turnham Green, Helen Cross, Chris Gillie and Leigh Edwards invited Liberal Democrat London Assembly member and deputy chair of the Transport Committee Caroline Pidgeon to visit Chiswick to discuss the matter with her.

Caroline shares their concern saying, “The Ultra Low Emission Zone will bring benefits but the Mayor’s proposals do not go far enough. There is an incredibly strong case for extending its boundaries in many parts of London, including the A4 that runs through Chiswick – which is an anomaly in the current plans. I urge people to take part in this important consultation and help ensure that far stronger plans are put in place to finally tackle toxic air pollution.”

February 10, 2018