News from Caroline Russell: Visit to air pollution project in Mitcham

Members of the Mitcham Society showed London Assembly Member Caroline Russell how they are measuring Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) pollution levels around the Mitcham Fair Green area and along the linked pedestrian London Road before it is re-opened as a bus route. This took place on Wednesday 7^th July 2016. They explained how their concerns about increasing pollution levels in the town square led to their community science project to measures NO2 with ‘diffusion tubes’.

This meeting is one of Caroline Russell’s planned visits to help inform her response to the Mayor’s proposed Ultra Low Emission Zone. Caroline is visiting communities living on the boundaries or outside the North and South Circular who are already measuring air pollution levels on their local streets or are willing to get involved over the summer.

Caroline commented:

“It’s inspiring to see so many Londoners involved in citizen science to learn about pollution in London. I look forward to seeing the Mitcham Society’s results.

If the evidence backs it, I will ask the Mayor to consult on including cars, motorbikes and vans in his London-wide clean air scheme rather than limiting controls at the North and South Circulars. This would bring clean air to all Londoners, not just those living and working in the centre.

My overriding concern is to ensure the new Mayor of London takes the range of actions necessary to deliver safe breathable air for all Londoners and to bring London’s air within legal limits in the shortest time possible, and by 2020 at the latest.

This is critical as pollution shortens lives, triggers asthma and can permanently reduce children’s lung capacities. Whether it’s commuting to work, living by a busy road or sitting in an office or classroom, being exposed to illegal levels of toxic air from diesel vehicles, remains a daily and inescapable reality for Londoners.”