Newham launches latest plan to tackle air pollution

Newham Council has launched its latest Draft Air Quality Action to tackle air pollution in the borough over the next five years.

The document outlines several actions the authority hopes to undertake from 2019-2024, including investing in a network of air quality monitors for nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM10), reprioritisation of road space at junctions and the introduction of resident parking zones throughout the borough to cut the number of vehicles on the roads.

A consultation on the plans has now opened which closes on October 14. Visit www.newham.gov.uk/airpollutionconsultation to find out more.

Newham Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz said: ‘I really want everyone to take part in this consultation, our partners like Newham Hospital, our community groups like South Plaistow Big Local, our businesses and our residents so we can design the best possible solutions to deliver safe air for us all to breathe, and start to tackle the emergency that faces our borough, our country and our planet.

Draft Air Quality Consultation

‘We have to bring everyone along with us on this journey if we are to really make a difference and start saving lives.’

The council also published 10 ‘key priorities’ to tackle air pollution which includes enforcing the Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) Low Emission Zone and promoting and delivering energy efficiency retrofitting projects in workplaces and homes as emissions from buildings account for about 15% of NOx emissions across London.

Newham Council also unveiled its new branding for all areas of service delivery and policy around climate and air pollution. The ‘Newham Climate Now’ brand will be used to tag the environmental measures which the council is, and will be developing, to tackle the negative effects of air pollution and climate change.