Air Quality Issues Projects in West London

1. Air Quality Issues & Projects in West London Introduction (inc. WLAQG) Air Quality in West London Trends in Air Quality The Need for Further Action Strategic Aims of the WLAQG Summary of Work to date Project overview Taxi Cab � Best Practice Guide Uxbridge Road Study Future projects Contacts

2. West London Air Quality Group (WLAQG) Formed in 1996, the West London Air Quality Group (WLAQG) consists of 7 local authorities: Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow and Richmond upon Thames Air pollution does not respect borough boundaries and measures undertaken by individual boroughs can only cover small areas. By working together we can work in partnership to improve air quality over a greater area The group meets regularly to discuss local and regional air quality issues, share experience and undertake joint projects to help improve air quality across West London

3. Air Quality in West London There are 26 continuous monitoring stations distributed across the 7 boroughs We monitor a range of pollutants, including ozone, benzene and carbon monoxide All members of the WLAQG have declared air quality management areas and have developed Action Plans setting out measures to improve air quality

4. Air Quality in West London The key problem pollutants for all West London Boroughs are nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and/ or particulate matter (PM10) In some parts of West London these pollutants frequently exceed the nationally set objectives mainly along some of the busiest roads and around Heathrow Road traffic emissions are now the most important source of these pollutants in London

5. Air Quality - Trends Air quality is determined by a number of factors including weather and local emissions We meet the air quality standards for some key pollutants such as lead, carbon monoxide and benzene Generally the annual mean target for NO2 across West London has not been met since monitoring began and many boroughs also struggle to meet the PM10(daily exceedence) target level

6. The Need for Further Action The congestion charging zone and London LEZ are good examples of regional schemes that can contribute to improvements in air quality Improvements in technology will also go some way to improving local air quality � e.g: retrofitted vehicles, greater fuel efficiency, cleaner fuels However these measures will not be enough to meet the air quality targets in parts of west London � particularly if traffic levels increase Additional measures are needed, particularly to help people reduce emissions as a result of everyday transport choices � e.g: greater use of sustainable transport

7. Strategic Aims of the WLAQG In 2006 we published our revised Strategic plan for 2006-2011 which outlined the joint measures to be undertaken to improve air quality across the region. The strategy focussed on 8 key areas outlined in brief as follows: Key Area 1 Transport and Air Quality Action Assessment Focus: Projects which will ensure that traffic and measures to improve air quality are always linked and co-ordinated across the region Key action: Development of a specific transport model for West London Key Area 2 Land Use Planning Integration Focus: Use of planning conditions/ obligations to secure air quality improvements on relevant major planning applications in West London Key Action: production of guidance for use by planners and request for funds secured via planning gain for continued air quality monitoring

8. Strategic Aims of the WLAQG Key Area 3 Sustainable and Integrated Transport Action Focus: Assess key transport corridors for sustainable transport use and recommend improvements; Work with West London Travel Planning to reduce private car use Key Action: Uxbridge Road study carried out; Business and school travel plans implemented across west London Key Area 4 Integration of Climate Change Focus: Ensure that climate change is considered in parallel with air quality considerations across the region and address conflicts where they arise Key Action: Undertaken a climate change review of our Strategy and determined that there are no conflicts

9. Strategic Aims of the WLAQG Key Area 5 Communication/Engagement Strategy Focus: to ensure that air quality actions and measures are communicated effectively across the region as this is a significant contributor to behavioural change Key Action: Developed website and currently drafting a newsletter scheduled for publication in the new year Key Area 6 Non vehicular sources Focus: target non traffic � related sources of air pollution such as industrial sources and localised contributions from construction sites Key Action: Ensure consistency in approach across West London regarding the regulation of industrial processes, control of pollution from construction sites and the potential for increasing use of biomass boilers

10. Strategic Aims of the WLAQG Key Area 7 Freight Movements Focus: To ensure that a cohesive approach to the air quality impacts of freight is considered across West London Key Action: Undertook audit of freight in West London which also included advising companies about emerging vehicle technologies, provided recommendations for improving fuel efficiency and explain the implications of initiatives such as the London LEZ Key Area 8 Heathrow Airport with operational T5 Focus: Ensure that local authority concerns regarding air quality are considered as part of the consultation process and work with other groups to promote sustainable travel Key Action: Proactively review air quality impacts of proposed plans for expansion and respond to requests for consultation

11. Summary of Work to Date List of projects undertaken as part of the Strategic Plan work: Identification of air quality hotspots throughout the region Assessment of freight operations in West London Production of a West London Air Quality Supplementary Planning Document Route Assessment Analysis Approach of Key Strategic Roads in West London Best Practice Guide for Assessment of Traffic and Air Quality Impacts Development of a West London Air Quality website Development of a Traffic Emissions Model specific to the West London area Participation in the AirTEXT pollution alert scheme

12. Best Practice Guide for Cabs  In London, taxis have been identified as a particular problem due to their increased exhaust emissions Hillingdon commissioned (on behalf of WLAQG) the development of a best practice guide for Taxi operators to encourage taxi operators to reduce emissions and fuel consumption, and adopt safer, environmentally friendly driving techniques The guide provides an overview of technologies that are available for use by taxi fleets, and draws upon a range of best practice already being investigated and applied by a range of taxi companies using low emission technologies The West London group aims to promote the Guide throughout cab companies in the region and support for the project from GLA means this will be considered for promotion London-wide

13. Uxbridge Road Study  The Uxbridge Road (A4020) passes through 3 west London boroughs and was the route of the proposed west London Tram scheme The WLAQG commissioned a baseline study to investigate alternative options for environmental improvements We determined existing levels of NO2 along or close to Uxbridge Road and assessed traffic flows and speeds A number of air quality hotspots were identified and actions recommended

14. Uxbridge Road Study  Short term recommendations Full review of signal timings and identified areas for improved/ increased parking enforcement measures Long term recommendations Future walking and cycling infrastructure to be developed in continuous improvements of existing bus routes Detailed parking and loading reviews and traffic enforcement strategy for town centres and high streets Conduct walking reviews

15. Future Projects Produce a west London air quality newsletter and update the website Complete the west London transport and air quality model Audit the real time monitoring station network Continue to promote airTEXT alert scheme

16. Contacts West London Air Quality Group Contacts Brent � Jennifer Barrett Ealing � Richard Ward, Alexander Beckett, John Freeman Hammersmith & Fulham � Paul Baker Harrow � Paul Hargreaves Hillingdon � Val Beale Hounslow � Rob Gibson (Chair) Richmond upon Thames � John Coates, Lynette Clapp www.westlondonairquality.org.uk