Public discourse around environmental issues is dominated by carbon-driven climate change. But this is just one form of environmental damage. There are many other ways in which human beings can have a destructive impact on the natural world around them. Of these, one of the most concerning is air pollution.
Air pollution is something that should concern just about everyone. The UK government describes it as ‘the largest environmental risk to public health’, and attributes to it around thirty thousand excess deaths per year.
So, what’s being done to tackle this problem? There are technologies that reduce air pollution, as well as legal changes that prevent it from emerging in the first place. Let’s consider a few important measures.
Ultra-Low Emission Zone Expansion
London has led the way when it comes to low-emission zones. Within the Ultra Low Emission Zone, motorists are charged extra for the privilege of driving on public roads. The zone was expanded in 2023, in the face of opposition from councils around the outskirts of London. However, the mayor, Sadiq Khan, now claims that the move has been vindicated by recent statistics.
The concentration of PM 2.5 particles has fallen from 17 per cubic metre in 2017 to just eight in 2024. It’s also estimated that roadside nitrogen levels would be substantially higher in the absence of the expanded zone.
National Policy and Clean Air Zones Across the UK
London isn’t the only place where a clean air zone has been introduced. Its success has led cities like Birmingham, Bath, Bradford and Portsmouth to set up fees of their own.
It’s important to note that in all cases, the size of the charge depends on the age of the vehicle – or, more specifically, its capacity to pollute. What’s more, low-emission zones aren’t a new idea; since 2008, lorries and coaches have been charged to enter central London.
In 2022, the Chief Medical Officer summarised in an annual report that air pollution drives “heart disease, stroke, cancer, exacerbation of asthma and increased mortality, among other health effects.” So, the public health benefits of these measures are fairly clear.
Local Innovations and Public Transport Modernisation
The reason that buses are charged extra is that they pollute more. But buses also form a vital part of any city’s public transport network. The answer lies in new technology. The best example of this is probably the ‘Bee Network’ of all-electric buses, which have become a regular sight in Manchester. Monitoring technologies, like CCTV‑NO₂ cameras, have also given local authorities greater power to seek out polluters, and ultimately drive down the risk for everyone.
