William Eichler 16 June 2017

Whitehall’s air quality plan will ‘fail’ unless it tackles congestion, campaigners say

Critics of the Government’s air quality plan has said it will ‘fail’ because it ignores the growing impact of congestion on pollution in city centres.

A new analysis has found a halving of average city traffic speeds leads to a 50% increase in harmful emissions from larger vehicles as they crawl along busy urban roads. In nose-to-tail traffic, NOx emissions are four times greater than they are in free flow traffic.

The analysis is part of the sustainable transport campaign Greener Journeys’ submission to the Government for yesterday’s National Clean Air Day.

Congestion in the UK’s largest cities is 14% worse than five years ago, the campaigners found, and traffic speeds are forecast to fall by almost 5mph from 17mph to an average of 12mph by 2030, and significantly slower in peak hours.

Traffic delays are also set to almost double over the next decade, leading to an average delay of a minute and a half per mile on England’s A roads.

Greener Journeys, who prepared the submission with Professor David Begg, the former chairman of the Government’s Commission for Integrated Transport, warned it will be impossible to keep air pollution in check unless Whitehall takes ‘meaningful steps’ to improve falling urban traffic speeds.

The submission acknowledged ministers have recognised the link between congestion and pollution, but it says their plan focuses on removing speed humps and traffic light sequencing rather than reducing the number of vehicles on the road, which causes 75% of all delays.

It argues the only way to resolve the air quality crisis is to reduce vehicle numbers and free up alternative forms of transport such as buses.

‘Congestion has a direct and severe impact on air pollution,’ Claire Haigh, chief executive of Greener Journeys.

‘The Government’s plans must tackle congestion and encourage greater use of sustainable transport modes such as the bus, which can take 75 cars off the road reducing both pollution and congestion.’

‘The Government’s current plans fall short of what is needed to tackle air pollution,’ said Professor Begg.

‘Policies should focus on easing congestion, increasing support for upgrading public transport such as buses, and more action to crack down on the biggest polluters on the road – diesel cars.

‘The congestion problem is not going to go away on its own. The growth in online shopping means the proportion of vans on the road continues to increase, and unlike cars these vehicles don’t simply go away when traffic jams get too severe.

‘Unless action is taken, urban traffic speeds will continue to fall until they reach walking pace.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recuriter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recuriter: Hull City Council

Strategic Director, Finance and Resources (S.151 Officer)

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
£110,799 - £120,706
Blackburn with Darwen is a distinctive, welcoming and vibrant borough with a strong identity and a genuine buzz about the place. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Residential Worker, Edge of Care Service

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 PAY AWARD PENDING
Join a Groundbreaking Team Supporting Families in Seaham Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Bikeability Cycling Instructor

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £24,790 to £25,992 pro rata (Pay Award Pending)
The Road Safety Team are keen to recruit additional Casual Bikability Instructors to join our team of instructors delivering Bikeability cycle trainin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner