London Borough of Croydon Air Quality Action Plan

Transcription

1 London Borough of Croydon Air Quality Action Plan

2 Contents Introduction... 3 Sources and health effects of air pollution... 4 Air quality information... 6 Air pollution monitoring in Croydon... 7 Current air quality in Croydon... 7 Predicting future air quality in Croydon... 8 Action Croydon has taken so far to improve air quality Delivering cleaner air The proposals A. Low Emission Strategies 14 B. Reducing pollution from idling vehicles 15 C. Air Quality and Freight 16 D. Cleaner Air 4 Schools 17 E. Non road transport emissions 18 F. airtext 20 G. Encouraging Smarter Travel Behaviour 22 H. Improving the Public Realm 23 I. Low Emission Zones 24 J. Air Quality on the Transport for London Road Network 25 Appendix 1: Air pollution levels and health advice Appendix 2: Attributable deaths due to air pollution in Croydon by ward Appendix 3: Air quality figures and tables Appendix 4: Cost benefit analysis Appendix 5: Consultation Appendix 6: Air Quality Management Order

3 Introduction In 2007 we published a second air quality action plan for Croydon, containing measures aimed at improving air quality. At that time Croydon was only the second local authority in the UK to publish an air quality action plan. In the five and a half years since then we have succeeded in putting into place around two thirds of those measures, either in full or in part. We now need to look forward to the actions we can take over the next five years. Tackling air pollution is vital to improve the health and quality of life of people who live in or visit Croydon, especially those who are vulnerable, such as children with asthma and older people with heart and respiratory diseases. The House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee published its report on air quality in the UK, this included evidence that estimated air pollution could be contributing to as many as 50,000 deaths in the UK per year. This is broadly in line with result of a study commissioned by the Mayor of London, which suggested that around 4,300 deaths per year in London are partly caused by long term exposure to particulate matter (PM 10 and PM 2.5 ), especially PM 2.5, which is widely acknowledged as being the pollutant which has the greatest effect on human health. Croydon has met and will continue to meet the existing statutory air quality objectives for all but one pollutant: nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ). Away from busy roads, annual average levels of NO 2 are well below air quality objective levels. However, the council s monitoring of current air quality shows that the air quality objective for NO 2 is not met at roadside monitoring stations. The proposals we are setting out in this new air quality action plan for tackles emissions from road traffic, industry and homes. They also ensure we keep the community and partners informed about air quality and the actions we can all take to reduce pollution or minimise its effects on vulnerable people. Some of the measures we are proposing, such as the pioneering airtext service, and tackling emissions from idling vehicles, continue or build on the good initiatives developed under the previous air quality action plans. Other new areas where we feel it is now right to focus our efforts include encouraging smarter travel behaviour and improving the public realm. Croydon s third Air Quality Action Plan contains ten measures specifically aimed at delivering cleaner air in the borough. These are: A. Low Emission Strategies B. Reducing pollution from idling vehicles C. Air Quality and Freight D. Cleaner Air 4 Schools E. Non road transport emissions F. airtext G. Encouraging Smarter Travel Behaviour H. Improving the Public Realm I. Low Emission Zones J. Air Quality on the Transport for London Road Network -3-

4 Sources and health effects of air pollution Pollution arises from a number of sources such as road transport and domestic emissions and can also travel great distances. It has been shown that around 25 percent of nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) concentrations in London comes from outside the city with around 40 percent of particles (PM 10 ) from external locations. Figures from the 2008 Greater London Authority s London Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (LAEI) show that around 7,000 tonnes of the main pollutants including oxides of nitrogen (NO x ), carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), particles (PM 10 ), sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ), benzene (C 6 H 6 ), 1,3-butadiene and other non-methane volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were emitted in Croydon in 2008 with 36 percent of this produced by road traffic. The LAEI estimated that around 6,000 tonnes of the main pollutants were emitted in 2011 and around 5,300 tonnes likely to be emitted in In addition 920,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide were released in 2008 with 30 percent coming from road transport. The LAEI estimated that around 830,000 tonnes of CO 2 were emitted in 2010 and estimates that there will be around 520,000 tonnes emitted in In addition emissions from non-road sources are not insignificant the LAEI estimated that in percent of all emissions of oxides of nitrogen in Croydon originated from non-road sources (mainly domestic and commercial gas boilers). Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) / Oxides of Nitrogen (NO x ) Oxides of nitrogen (NO x ) are emitted from combustion processes, the main sources of which are road transport, energy generation including domestic gas boilers, and industrial combustion. NO x is made up of two pollutants nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ). NO 2 is the pollutant of most concern due to its health impacts. However, as NO easily converts to NO 2 it is therefore essential that measures should be implemented to control emissions of NO x. Road transport make up the largest contribution of ground level concentrations in urban areas, and the highest NO X levels generally occur at the kerbside. In addition nitrogen oxides can react with Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and sunlight producing photochemical pollutants such as ozone. NO X also contributes to the formation of secondary particles, which are associated with health effects. See below for more details. The short term health effects of exposure to NO 2 are well established and at high concentrations can cause irritation of the lungs and can exacerbate existing lung conditions including asthma. Particulate matter (PM 10 and PM 2.5 ) Particulate matter (PM 10 and PM 2.5 ) is made up of various materials and chemical compositions. It is categorised by the size of the particle, for example PM 10 is made up of particles with a diameter of less than 10 microns (µm), and PM 2.5 less than 2.5µm. -4-

5 The majority of PM emissions in London are caused by road traffic, with engine emissions and tyre and brake wear being the main sources. Construction sites, with high volumes of dust and emissions from machinery are also major sources of local PM pollution, along with accidental fires and bonfires. However, a large proportion of PM comes from natural sources, such as sea salt, forest fires and Saharan dust, as well as from sources outside London caused by human activity. Small particles tend to be long-lived in the atmosphere and can be transported great distances. This imported PM forms a significant proportion of total PM in London. Air Pollution and Health The European Environment Agency describes air pollution as the environmental factor with the greatest impact on health in Europe and responsible for the largest burden of environment-related disease. There is a clear link between poor air quality and health, high levels of pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and ozone can have impacts on sensitive people including children, the elderly and those who suffer from respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis. Particulate matter aggravates heart and lung conditions, and research has found that about 5 percent of emergency hospital attendances for asthma could be avoided by meeting the PM 10 air quality objective levels. It has been estimated that the economic cost of the health impacts of poor air quality in London could be as high as 2 billion. Therefore reductions in emissions and exposure can have significant savings in health budgets consequently it is worth investing in preventative health care measures such as the airtext service, refer to Air quality information on page 6 for details. Estimates have also shown that air pollution reduces life expectancy in the UK by an average of six months. The most important air pollutant in terms of health effects is Particulate Matter (PM) which is emitted from vehicle exhausts, chimneys or formed in the air from reactions between other pollutants. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has advised that there is no safe exposure level to PM. For people with lung and heart conditions, increases in PM air pollution can worsen their symptoms The Greater London Authority commissioned a study to estimate the impacts of air quality (specifically particulate matter) on the annual number of deaths for all of London and its constituent areas 1. Using the model it has been calculated that 205 Croydon residents prematurely die per year as a result of high pollution levels, a breakdown of this number per ward is provided in Appendix 1, Table 1. 1 Report on estimation of mortality impacts of particulate air pollution in London by the Institute of Medicine -5-

6 New Air Quality Index On 1 st January 2012 Defra and the Devolved Administrations changed the air quality index for the UK. The new index informs the public about daily changes in air quality using a 1-10 scale divided into four bands ( low, moderate, high and very high ). This is similar to the current air quality index and in line with those used for sun and pollen exposure. This new index will provide warnings of potentially health-damaging air pollution events before they happen and help susceptible people manage their condition and reduce the severity of their symptoms. The new daily air quality index comes in three parts and includes additional advice for susceptible individuals alongside advice for the general population, the revised air pollution banding and health advice is provided in Appendix 2, Table 2. Air quality information The council provides a daily air pollution forecast on a street-bystreet level on the internet, like the map on the left, which can be accessed via the airtext website or the London air website ( We also provide an airtext service which sends FREE text, voice, and e- mail air pollution alerts to mobile phones, landlines and computers of people (or their carers) with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, heart disease and angina, when air pollution levels are forecast to be moderate, high or very high. You can register for airtext online at by text on or by calling the Pollution Team on

7 5483. Air pollution monitoring in Croydon Croydon s air pollution monitoring network comprises four automatic monitoring stations, details of these are given in Appendix 3, Table 3 and a location map is provided in Appendix 3, Figure 1. They are: Croydon 2: Purley Way (south of Fiveways) due to construction work onsite there is no data for 2011 (from 2012 the site has been renamed Croydon 7) Croydon 3: Beulah Road, Thornton Heath Croydon 4: Junction of George Street and Wellesley Road, central Croydon Croydon 5: London Road, Norbury The stations measure nitrogen dioxide, ozone and particles. All data is independently verified by the Environmental Research Group of King s College London and is then fed into the London Air Quality Network. Sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) was measured at George Street for five years, between 2000 and The results showed that SO 2 concentrations in Croydon were below the air quality objectives therefore in April 2006 it was decided to discontinue the monitoring of SO 2. All of the data gathered from the borough s air quality monitoring network can be downloaded from the London Air Quality Network website it is possible to compare Croydon data with other monitoring sites throughout London. Non-Automatic Monitoring Croydon also monitors NO 2 using twelve diffusion tubes at roadside/kerbside sites, and four at background/suburban sites. Details of these diffusion tubes are presented in Appendix 3, Table 4 and a location map is provided, in Appendix 3, Figure 2. Current air quality in Croydon Croydon has met and will continue to meet existing statutory air quality objectives for all but one pollutant: NO 2. Away from busy roads, annual average levels of NO 2 are well below air quality objective levels. However, the council s monitoring of current air quality shows that the air quality objective for NO 2 is not met at roadside monitoring stations. This can be seen in Appendix 3, Figure 3. Appendix 3, Figure 5 shows air pollution levels averaged out across the whole year, at all three roadside sites in Croydon from 2001 to Overall there is no upward or downward trend in NO 2 concentration since We use 2001 as the starting point in these comparisons because we have not added any new monitoring stations to our network since then. PM 10 monitoring data for 2001 to 2011 shows compliance with the annual average concentration see Appendix 3, Figure 7 and Figure 8. Although there is a downward trend in concentration we remain concerned that there are no safe levels for PM 10 therefore proportionate and cost-effective steps should be taken to continue to reduce PM 10 concentrations in Croydon. -7-

8 Predicting future air quality in Croydon As well as monitoring air pollution levels we use computer modeling to predict current air quality in parts of Croydon where we don t have monitoring stations. Modeling is also useful because it can help predict future levels of air pollution so that we know how much action we need to take now to improve air quality in a few years time. As part of the Air Quality Review and Assessment process all Local Authorities in the UK are required to produce periodic Updating and Screening Assessment (USA) reports of air quality in their area. Each USA is intended to identify significant changes in air quality that may have occurred since the last report, which might lead to a risk of the air quality objectives being exceeded. Air Quality Management Area Orders for Croydon Initially only certain roads in Croydon were designated as Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) for annual mean NO 2. The first USA was completed in 2002 and modeled the boroughs air quality for The model showed widespread breaches of the NO 2 air quality objective along busy roads. As a result of this the whole borough of Croydon was declared as an AQMA for annual mean NO 2 and the Air Quality Management Area Order amended in The AQMA Order was amended further in 2012 to include the hourly NO 2 objective due to breaches of the hourly air quality objective at London Road monitoring station. In 2008 a total of 51 hours exceeded the objective at this location. Air pollution along the A23 London Road was modeled in 2008 the results of which are presented in Appendix 3 Figure 6 It shows that air pollution levels are highest (coloured yellow and orange) along main roads, particularly at junctions. Air Quality Review and Assessment 2012 In early 2012 we commissioned further modeling of air pollution across Croydon, see Appendix 3, Figure 9 to Figure 13 for our models of air quality in Areas in light blue are predicted to comply with the air quality objective, but the areas in yellow, orange and red are breaching these limits. The fifth round USA concluded that the air quality standards of 40µg/m 3 for annual average NO 2 concentrations and 200µg/m 3 for the hourly average concentrations are predicted to be exceeded around the busiest roads and junctions in Croydon, for both 2011 and Appendix 3, Figure 9 shows our modeling results for predicted annual average levels of NO 2 in Appendix 3, Figure 11 shows our modeling results for predicted annual average levels of PM 10 in 2015 which shows the whole of Croydon would meet the annual average concentration of 40µg/m 3 for 2011 and In addition there are no predicted exceedences for the 24 hour average for PM 10 concentrations, see Appendix 3, Figure

9 There are no predicted exceedences of the air quality standard of 25µg/m 3 for annual average PM 2.5 concentrations for either 2011 or Across most of the borough, annual average PM 2.5 concentrations at urban background locations were predicted to be between 9.5µg/m 3 and 10µg/m 3 for Therefore a 10% reduction in annual average PM 2.5 concentrations is required at these locations by 2020 in order to meet the national exposure target. At most urban background locations in Croydon concentrations are predicted to reduce by 4% to 5% between 2011 and 2015, indicating that just over half the required reductions in PM 2.5 will need to take place between 2015 and 2020 to meet the national exposure reduction target. Source Apportionment The concentration of a pollutant at a given point is made up of contributions from numerous sources of different types and, in the case of NO 2, is affected by chemical reactions in the atmosphere. The contribution of different sources varies depending on their emission characteristics and the relative locations of the source and receptor. In 2010 Croydon commissioned Cambridge Environmental Research Consultants (CERC) to undertake a source apportionment study to quantify the relative contributions of each source group and the resulting annual average ground level concentration at monitoring sites within Croydon. The study used projected emissions of NO x and PM 10 for 2015, and PM 2.5 for 2011 and 2015 from the London Atmospheric Emissions Inventory Pollutant concentrations were predicted at receptor locations corresponding to the locations of the continuous air quality monitoring stations and diffusion tubes within Croydon. Refer to Appendix 3, Figure 9 to Figure 13 for models. The results show that between 38 percent and 59 percent of NO x concentrations are predicted to be from sources within Croydon (at roadside and kerbside receptor locations) for Background was found to be the largest contributor to PM 10 and PM 2.5 concentrations, accounting for over 80 percent of the predicted concentrations at all receptor locations within Croydon for The Major Roads source group is the largest contributor of emissions for all three pollutants for The predicted reduction in PM 2.5 concentrations from sources within Croydon is predominantly due to a reduction in exhaust emissions reflecting the expected improvements in vehicle technology. However, PM 2.5 concentrations from brake and tyre wear emissions are predicted to increase by 1 percent which reflects the predicted increases in traffic flows in Croydon between 2011 and In order for Croydon to meet the national exposure reduction target for PM 2.5 at urban locations a 10 percent reduction in annual average PM 2.5 concentrations will be required. -9-

10 The need for an Air Quality Action Plan There are air quality objectives for seven of the main air pollutants. These objectives set limits to be achieved by certain dates for each pollutant. The air quality objectives represent a balance between reducing air pollution to levels, at which there would be no significant risks to human health with the wider economic and social costs and technical feasibility of reducing pollution. For example, there are no safe levels for particles, but it would be impossible to eliminate them completely from the environment. The Environment Act 1995 requires local authorities to undertake regular reviews of current air quality in their area, and assess whether the air quality objectives are likely to be met by the compliance date in areas where exposure of the public is likely over the averaging period of the objective. Where breaches of the air quality objectives are predicted, local councils must declare Air Quality Management Areas and produce Air Quality Action Plans, containing measures aimed at achieving the objectives. There is no legal requirement for councils to achieve the objectives, as a significant proportion of the air pollution in a particular area will have its source outside of that area and is therefore beyond the control of the local authority. The duty of councils is to take steps to try to meet the objectives, identify who is responsible for the pollution and seek their co-operation in minimising it. National Air Quality Strategy The Governments revised National Air Quality Strategy was published in July 2007; this updated strategy provides a clear, long-term vision for improving air quality in the UK and offers options to reduce the risk to health and the environment from air pollution. The main objective is to ensure that all citizens should have access to outdoor air without significant risk to their health, where this is economically and technically feasible. New air quality objectives: the exposure reduction framework for particles There is clear and unequivocal health advice that there is no accepted threshold effect, i.e. no recognised safe level, for exposure to fine particles (PM2.5). Therefore an exposure reduction approach has been adopted for PM2.5. The exposure reduction approach is based on the principle that for pollutants with a low or zero threshold for adverse effects, it will generally be more beneficial to public health, and potentially more cost-effective to reduce pollutant levels across the whole population of an urban area or region rather than in a small area or hotspot. UK air quality objectives The EU limit values for PM 2.5 levels were introduced by the 2008 Air Quality Directive and refer to the actual levels of concentrations allowed. The time period is the period over which the concentrations are averaged and the permitted exceedence is the number of days that the set level of concentration can be exceeded in a calendar year. At present there is no national objective for PM 2.5 and it is not incorporated into LAQM Regulations, therefore authorities have no statutory obligation to review and assess air quality against them. -10-

11 The compliance date for PM 10 and NO 2 has already passed. However, the EU Ambient Air Quality Directive provides for Member States to apply to extend the date for compliance with the limit values for PM 10 until May 2011, and for NO 2 until January 2015, provided certain conditions are met - in particular, that a viable action plan to meet the limit values is in place. In order to meet the EU air quality limits for NO 2 close to roadsides in London and other major cities by the extended 2015 deadline Defra have produced a package of measures, which included 30 air quality action plans, as evidence to the EU to allow for the for the deadline to be extended. Mayor s Air Quality Strategy The Mayor of London Air Quality Strategy (MAQS) was published in December The Strategy puts forward a number of proposals in order to create a cleaner, greener city for all. The Mayor s vision for air quality is to protect the health of Londoners and enhance the quality of life by significantly improving the quality of the air we breathe in London. The aim is to make London a more pleasant place to live and work in, reduce the burden on health services in the capital, enhance London s reputation as a green city making it more attractive to tourists and businesses and make London cleaner whilst safeguarding its biodiversity. The MAQS sets out how this vision will be achieved through measures already in place along with new measures, these include: Reducing emissions from transport by: o Encouraging smarter choices and sustainable travel behaviour. o Promoting technological change and cleaner vehicles. o Reducing emissions from the public transport fleet. o Using emission control schemes to reduce emissions from private vehicles. The implementation of this policy will lead to decreases in PM 10 and NO x. For example, it has been estimated that increasing cycling journeys from 2 to 5 percent by the year 2025 would save about a tonne of PM 10 and nearly 50 tonnes of NO x. This would also lead to a saving of around 90,000 tonnes of CO 2. Targeting air quality hotspots by: o Adopting local measures, including trialing new technologies. o Using action days to encourage behaviour change and reduce pollution in priority areas. Targeting hotspots will help deliver important savings in emissions at key locations where levels of human exposure are particularly high. For example, the deployment of the cleanest buses on routes within central London would help reduce PM 10 and NO x emissions where air quality is particularly poor. Reducing emissions from homes, business and industry by: -11-

12 o Promoting and delivering energy efficiency schemes. o Using the planning system to reduce emissions from new developments. o Updating and implementing Best Practice Guidance on construction and demolition projects. The aim is to reduce emissions from the public transport fleet. TfL have estimated that the retrofitting of Euro II and III buses to meet Euro IV standards for NO x would save around 600 tonnes of NO x across London in Increase awareness of air quality issues: o Improving access to information about the health impacts of poor air quality. o Directing information about poor air quality to those most at risk. Air Pollution and climate change Air pollution often originates from the same activities that contribute to climate change (notably transport and electricity generation) therefore it makes sense to consider how the linkages between air quality and climate change policy areas can be managed to best effect. The commitment to build a Low Carbon Economy by 2050 will also reduce air pollution however the choices will affect the extent of air quality improvements. Air quality/climate change co-benefits can be realised through actions such as promoting low-carbon vehicles and renewable sources of energy that do not involve combustion. At the same time, actions that tackle climate change but damage air quality must be avoided. Figure 7 shows an estimation of the overall CO 2 reduction in Croydon since 2005 which includes reduction through national and local initiatives. Between 2005 and 2007 there has been a saving of 2.24 percent in the residential sector, an 8.57 percent reduction in the industrial and commercial sector and a 1.43 percent reduction in the transport sector. Figure 7: Estimation of the overall CO 2 reduction in Croydon -12-

13 Action Croydon has taken so far to improve air quality Under section 84(2) of the Environment Act 1995 local authorities are required to draw up an action plan following the designation of an Air Quality Management Area. The action plan sets out what the authority intends to do in pursuit of the air quality objective(s). Croydon s first air quality action plan contained 77 measures to improve air quality and covered the period up to the end of In June 2007 the council published a revised action plan setting out measures to improve air quality in Croydon until This new action plan continues to build on some of these measures and introduces new measures to be taken forward until The following sections detail the proposed actions for Delivering cleaner air This new air quality action plan sets out the measures we propose to take to improve air quality in Croydon until Government policy guidance on local air quality management (LAQM.PG(09)) requires the council to quantify the contribution of the sources of air pollution to predicted exceedences of air quality objectives, in order to ensure that action plan measures are effectively targeted. We undertook this process as part of a further review and assessment of air quality in 2009 and we do not believe that the data on which it is based has significantly changed since then. This action plan is therefore based on that information. This action plan continues to build on good initiatives, such as airtext and tackling emissions from idling vehicles, and includes some new measures to reduce emissions. The action plan is designed to be practical and easy to use, rather than just an unworkable reference document. We have not included the council s day-to-day work which helps improve air quality, for example, dealing with statutory air pollution nuisances and inspecting commercial/industrial processes which emit pollutants. However, we are still committed to providing resources in order to improve air quality and a key part of our strategy for the future is to bring additional funding into Croydon to help us deliver these and other measures to reduce air pollution. -13-

14 A. Low Emissions Strategies: We will seek funding to support the implementation of Low Emission Strategies at new and existing developments in order to reduce transport emissions. Low Emission Strategies provide a package of measures to help mitigate the transport impacts of development. Their primary aim is to accelerate the uptake of low emission fuels and technologies in and around the development site. They compliment other design and mitigation options, such as travel planning and the provision of public transport infrastructure. Strategies are secured through a combination of planning conditions and legal obligations. They may incorporate policy measures and/or require financial investments in and contributions to the delivery of low emission transport projects and plans, including strategic monitoring and assessment activities. Low emission strategies may also contribute towards targets for climate change mitigation and air quality. Low emission infrastructure: Interim Planning Guidance on Air Quality this was published in 2009 and provides clear guidance for developments that have impacts on air quality. It helps identify circumstances where an air quality assessment would be required and provides technical guidance on the process of assessment to ensure consistency. In addition it provides guidance on mitigation and monitoring of air quality impacts via planning conditions. Car clubs - development and promotion - car clubs give people access to a car for essential journeys without the need to own one. Car clubs primarily use new vehicles (some use hybrids and electric vehicles) that are well maintained, keeping their emissions comparatively low. Using planning agreements we aim to encourage the installation of car clubs at new developments and at existing residential and commercial developments. Working with car club operators the council will encourage a growing number of car club parking bays, especially at locations near to public transport hubs. At present there is one car club in operation in Croydon with 31 vehicles located at 7 sites. Pool cars a staff travel survey showed that a fuel efficient pool car would encourage 35 percent of single occupancy car commuters to use an alternative form of transport to get to work. Croydon council has established a car pool through the use of a commercial car club. Electric Vehicle Charging Points (EVCPs) currently there is a network of 100 EVCPs both on street and off street, mainly in central London. In 2012 Croydon council will have a total of ten EVCPs in council surface carparks and two on-street bays. In addition there are eight sites distributed in car parks around Croydon. In the next 2-5 years it is anticipated there will be a growing number of public EVCPs in retail developments and larger residential developments will provide up to 20 percent of their bays with EVCPs. -14-

15 B. Idling vehicles: We will reduce air pollution from vehicles idling unnecessarily. National Government legislation (the Road Traffic Regulations 2002) provides all Councils powers to request drivers of vehicles which are idling unnecessarily to switch off their engines. If they refuse, a 20 fixed penalty notice can be issued. Croydon was the first borough in London to use the powers on a permanent basis and since January 2005 we have been undertaking patrols to raise awareness of the contribution that idling vehicles can make to poor air quality. We installed signage outside 20 schools in 2011, instructing drivers to switch off their engines while parked and plan to install a further 20 schools in 2012 and beyond. Since the Council started patrols the number of people complying with the legislation has increased, without the need to issue any fines. This suggests that the message is getting across to drivers and that this type of campaign is effective. This is primarily an awareness raising initiative and is not aimed at generating income through the issuing of fixed penalty notices. We believe that this is a very cost-effective way of targeting resources directly at the source of an air quality problem and helping raise awareness of air quality among motorists without needing to resort to punitive measures against all drivers -15-

16 C. Air Quality and Freight : We will seek to reduce the impact of air pollution from goods vehicles. Since 2005 Transport for London (TfL) has funded the establishment and operation of a subregional Freight Quality Partnership (FQP) across the boroughs of Croydon, Bromley, Wandsworth, Merton, Sutton, Lewisham, Kingston and Richmond. The Freight Transport Association, Road Haulage Association, and local businesses are members of the partnership. From April 2011 this was led by South London Partnerships, as such its structure may change, subject to further information from TfL. Its aims include reducing the impact of freight journeys in South London on air pollution, whilst at the same time improving the efficiency of freight operations in the area, improving road safety and reducing noise. We will also support and aid the implementation of the Mayor s Freight Plan, which focuses on: Delivery and Service Plans Construction Logistics Plans Membership of FORS (Freight Operators Recognition Scheme) Communication In 2011 the council undertook a project, funded by TfL to develop a framework for the coordination of Construction Logistics Plans (CLPs) and Delivery and Servicing Plans (DSPs) for the borough. The project also runs in parallel with the development of Croydon s Opportunity Area Planning Framework (OAPF) areas. It aims to show how, in principle, such a co-ordinated approach could be used to minimise the impacts that would be expected during the extensive construction works that are expected in Croydon over the coming 15 years and as the developments are completed and subsequently used for their intended purposes. CLPs provide a structure by which developers, their contractors and the local authority can follow agreed procedures in order to ensure that the materials required for a development can be delivered in a safe and efficient way whilst minimising impacts on the local environment such as congestion, noise, pollutant emissions and visual intrusion. DSPs provide a structure by which the owners and occupiers of premises can ensure that the delivery and servicing activities required as a development is used for its intended purpose can be conducted in a safe and efficient way whilst minimising impacts on the local environment. For new developments, such as those proposed in Croydon, ensuring that the design takes into account subsequent use and provides adequate access and loading / unloading facilities can form an important part of a DSP -16-

17 D. Cleaner Air 4 Schools: We will aim to reduce exposure to pollution in schools and reduce emissions from school buildings Air pollution can have extremely negative impacts on health and well-being, leading to serious health problems. These impacts are often most severely felt by vulnerable people such as children, older people and those with existing heart and lung conditions. People living in areas near major roads - which are often some of the most deprived parts of London - are exposed to particularly high levels of pollution. The Cleaner Air 4 Schools campaign aims to reduce exposure of pollution to children in schools, reduce emissions from school buildings and the change both children s and parents behaviours to reduce pollution. The five key objectives are: 1. Change Behaviour & Reduce Pollution Through the children, change parent behaviour to increase walking and cycling to schools, and reduce idling vehicles at schools. Collaborate with Walk to school & Safe routes to school projects. 2. Improve Schools Directly Use the contact established to introduce other relevant programmes, e.g. GLA schools improvements for boilers etc. 3. Educate & Inform Communicate key messages on air pollution to young children through engaging games & races. 4. Complement Educational Goals Ensure content complements the material taught in Key Stages 1, 2 & 3. This helps schools deliver their goals. 5. Maximise Value By Partnering Partner with GLA, other councils and projects e.g. airtext, Spare The Air, SkyRide etc, to minimise duplication and maximum reinforcement -17-

18 E. Non-road transport emissions: We will implement tighter standards on air pollution emissions from non-road sources Reducing emissions from construction and demolition sites Nuisance dust emissions from construction-related activities can be a problem. There are many simple measures that can be taken to reduce dust emissions, such as wheel washes (particularly on sites that involve excavation), damping down etc. A Best Practice Guidance on construction and demolition sites was produced in 2006 which covered all aspects of dust and emissions from construction and demolition activities in London. This guidance is due to be updated by the GLA in 2012 and will include promoting retrofitting older non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) with particulate traps on all high risk sties to reduce emissions. It has been estimated that if construction sites across London fully complied with this guidance this could save 70 tonnes of PM 10 emissions. Croydon has an existing code of practice covering both noise and air quality issues, which is relevant to all sizes and scales of construction sites. This was updated in 2012 to include the provision of a Construction Logistics Plan (CLP) for development sites (see section C on Air Quality and Freight for details). The London code is used to set tighter controls over air pollution for larger sites where the environmental impact is potentially greater. These documents provide the industry with clearer and more simplified advice to allow improved compliance on development sites. A database has been set up to monitor which development sites are required to comply with the London code of practice and Construction Logistics Plans. In order to ensure the conditions are complied with the council has utilised TfL funding to create an enforcement officer post to actively manage construction sites, responding to complaints and to proactively work with other stakeholders such as planning and developers to ensure full compliance. Buildings and Air Pollution After road transport, buildings are the second largest source of air pollution in Croydon with 54% of NO x emissions from domestic and commercial gas boilers. Therefore tackling air pollution from these sources is vital in order to meet the air quality objectives. One of the Mayor s policies in the MAQS is the reduction of air pollution emissions stating that new developments should be air quality neutral or better. This can be done by using the planning system to ensure no new developments have a negative impact on air quality in London. In order to achieve the MAQS targets of 693t/yr NO x reduction from buildings the following improvements will be required: 1. Gradual replacement of commercial and domestic boilers with cleaner models. 2. Application of low energy design strategies, very energy efficient fabric and Zero Emission (ZE) heat technologies to developments to ensure they don t increase toxic emissions. -18-

19 3. Improvement in the energy efficiency of existing buildings. All three approaches can be delivered at zero cost, low additional cost or net zero cost. Careful use of building standards, fabric energy efficiency and solar hot water or heat pumps can eliminate the need for biomass as a heating fuel, and training for developers in this area would help eliminate their skills shortage in this area. Croydon Development Emissions Tool (CDET) To assist developers to assess whether or not their new development meets the target set by the council we have developed a tool to assess emissions called CDET (formerly PERAT). It allows development emissions to be estimated based on fuel type, building use class and building size, and compared with an existing building or greenfield site. The development can be screened against the space it replaces and the local reduction target for NO 2, PM and CO 2, and scenarios for fuel use and energy efficiency be tested. Dissemination of the tool will be carried out during 2012 with the production of an evaluation report at the end of the year. In addition the council will be undertaking a review of Low Emission Strategies for nontransport emissions to reduce NO x, PM 10 and CO 2 emissions, and develop a guidance note to run alongside CDET. Decentralised Energy The implementation of decentralised energy in London has the potential to make significant reductions in CO 2 and local air pollutants. In other words, heat and electricity generated locally (for example in or close to Croydon town centre) could power buildings directly within the area (and up to 20 km away) as opposed to taking their energy from the national grid. In this way, buildings could be powered from locally generated renewable energy, via what are known as district energy schemes. Croydon is carrying out a study to examine how a district energy scheme could operate in the borough. from vehicles idling unnecessarily. -19-

20 F. airtext service: We will expand and improve the airtext service to reach more vulnerable people by text messages, voice messaging and , and help other boroughs implement airtext. Croydon council provides a unique information service called airtext in partnership with Cambridge Environmental Research Consultants (CERC) and the London airtext consortium. This service sends free air pollution alerts by text message, or by recorded message to the home phones of people with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, heart disease and angina, when air pollution levels are forecast to be moderate, high or very high. The messages provide information on the steps participants can take to minimise exposure to the pollution episode and better manage their symptoms, improving quality of life and hopefully reducing the need for visits to the doctor or hospital. The service was extended to other boroughs in 2007 and to date there are 7002 people receiving text alerts. airtext is now run and managed by a consortium, administered by Croydon and made up of participating boroughs. The Mayor s Air Quality Strategy aims to work with the Government and other potential partners to continue the airtext service and supports its aspiration to sign up a further 250,000 participants over five years. The Mayor believes that major employers in London including the GLA group could benefit from promoting airtext to their staff. In 2012 we will work with and support the consortium to implement some of the following measures: Secure long-term sustainable funding. Revise the airtext website. Undertake a low level advertising campaign to retain the profile and ensure that we maintain current subscriber levels. Review the current literature to emphasize the benefits of airtext to participants. Review the message content with a view to providing a more relevant contact point for health advice. Provide links/advice on the airtext website to similar services in other geographical locations. Subject to the outcome of the bid for further funding, we will work towards providing pollen and heat alerts alongside the airtext alerts. In addition we have secured funding to undertake an Air Quality Campaign Days project in conjunction with LB Islington, Camden and the GLA. The project specifically aims to reduce the number of air pollution exceedences in London through behaviour change, based on successful similar programmes in the U.S.A. If successful the model can be copied elsewhere in the U.K. The focus of this project is on positive messaging to empower people to make changes which benefit themselves and the local air quality. In developing the Campaign Days programme in London the project will: Establish a steering group drawn from the air quality management & air pollution -20-

21 forecasting community to determine the appropriate forecast triggers for Campaign Days in London. Gather and appraise project design advice from California's Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Engage with all relevant new & existing stakeholder groups in media and transport to ensure the campaign is supported and embedded. Determine the key audiences for transport behaviour change relevant to air pollution reduction Develop the right positive messages to maximise in-episode emissions reduction. Build a monitoring programme to see how well it works. -21-

22 G. Encouraging Smarter Travel Behaviour: We will support people to make behavioural changes to reduce emissions from transport. By supporting people to make smarter travel choices we aim to reduce vehicle emissions via a number of options which include the development of smarter travel schemes, encouraging the use of low or zero emission forms of transport and by providing the right information to the public. Walkit Walkit is an interactive urban journey planner for walkers which promotes walking in London with the aim of providing a route that avoids the most polluted streets. The site maps out a lower pollution walking route detailing the distance and time it should take, and the carbon dioxide emission avoided by choosing to walk compared to other transport modes. The Mayor supports this tool and will work with boroughs to extend the scheme across London. Croydon is actively encouraging staff to undertake council visits that are located near to the council offices by walking and using public transport. Travel Plans Through the Mayor of London s School Travel Plan (STP) programme, the borough promotes sustainable travel for journeys related to schools. To date around 78 percent of schools in Croydon have an approved STP. Following the council s approval of its Staff Travel Plan for it is currently working on a range of initiatives to promote sustainable modes of transport. Phase 1 of the Pool Car Scheme was rolled out in Supported by the Sustainable Development Service, the Active Lifestyles Team are actively promoting walking, cycling, lift share and the use of public transport through various campaigns throughout the year. Croydon also supports local businesses to assist them to develop Workplace Travel Plans. To date 39 have been developed with a further 37 at the Proposed stage. Cycling and Walking TfL estimates that delivering the Mayor s target to increase cycling mode share from 2 to 5 percent by 2026 would save around a tonne of PM 10 and nearly 50 tonnes of NO x. In addition approximately 90,000 tonnes of CO 2 would also be saved. Croydon has been awarded National Lottery funding to set up the Croydon Park Links initiative, this scheme will create a new network of walking and cycling trails in the borough, making it easier for people to walk and cycle to work, school, the shops and green spaces. The improved travel routes will increase travel choice, support healthier lifestyles and ease congestion and pollution. Cycle Hire Scheme Working with boroughs, the Mayor will encourage increased levels of cycling through a number of schemes including the central London Barclays Cycle Hire scheme; cycle training; and delivering Barclays Cycle Superhighways from inner to central London Croydon will continue to encourage and support improvements in the boroughs transport infrastructure so that use of public transport, walking and cycling will become the modes of choice in the borough. Ecodriving Training Ecodriving is a well established method of improving the performance of road vehicles by between 5% - 30 % and forms the basis of government schemes such as SAFED. Ecodriving training have proven benefits in terms of fuel savings, air pollutant emissions reduction, road safety and noise. Ecodriving techniques require slight modification for diesel vehicles to achieve good results. An improvement in brake wear and resuspension emissions of PM is also to be expected due to reduced acceleration, deceleration and braking -22-

23 H Improving the Public Realm : We will investigate the case for discouraging bonfires Bonfires Bonfires produce many forms of pollution. Bonfire smoke can have damaging health effects and although serious harm is unlikely if exposure is brief, it can cause significant problems for people with asthma, bronchitis and heart conditions. Bonfires generate around 30,000 nuisance complaints to local authorities each year. As well as causing health problems, smoke prevents neighbours from enjoying their gardens and opening windows or hanging washing out. We encourage alternative, more environmentally-friendly ways of disposing of refuse, such as composting, recycling, or disposal at a tip. We also provide a free garden waste collection borough-wide. Because of this we don t think there is generally a need for bonfires, with exceptions for events like Guy Fawkes Night and other cultural and religious festivals. We will continue to respond rapidly to bonfire complaints and rigorously enforce legislation where necessary. The Mayor s Air Quality Strategy aims to discourage bonfires through improved education and enforcement thus reducing complaints and improve quality of life. The council will lobby central Government to introduce legislation that would allow boroughs to restrict bonfires in residential areas where necessary in order to reduce annoyance and improve poor air quality. Green roofs and living walls Green roofs are arguably the best example of multifunctional urban design, whereby elements on, in, and around the built environment serve several purposes (Grant 2006). Green roofs: Help maintain pre-development or greenfield run-off volumes and rates from development sites. Improve biodiversity on all new development sites. Help ensure that developments are designed to adapt to climate change. Help improve the quality of water/run-off. Evidence from Germany also suggests that green roofs can reduce winter fuel consumption. This depends on how wet the roofs are as this reduces their insulation value. The cost of the green roof can be balanced with savings in other areas, such as ground-level storm water solutions and energy demand. (Environment Agency (2010b)) The council is currently in the process of mapping all green roofs in the borough as part of the green infrastructure study, to date Croydon have identified and mapped 4,200 m 2 of green roofs. The following developments have incorporated green roofs into their design: Davidson Road Surrey Street Bridge House and the Exchange Impact House Edridge Road Centre View Apartments Whitgift Street Mayday Road (Living Roof) Purley Way Barretts Development (deck garden) Within the Croydon metropolitan centre a number of buildings have incorporated green roofs into their development. Further regeneration within the Croydon Metropolitan Centre (CMC) and areas such as Purley will provide additional opportunities for developers to incorporate green walls or roofs into their buildings. -23-

24 I. Low Emission Zone The first stage of the London low emission zone (LEZ) was implemented in 2008 which affected lorries over 12 tonnes, requiring these vehicles to comply with Euro III standard for particulate matter. It also affects other specialist vehicles such as horse boxes, recovery vehicles, refuse collection vehicles, gritters, road sweepers, concrete mixers, tippers, removals lorries, fire engines, motor caravans and ambulances. The scheme was extended to include lorries over 3.5 tonnes and buses and coaches over 5 tonnes with nine or more seats from 7 July 2008 requiring compliance with Euro III standard. The LEZ imposes a substantial charge on lorries, buses, vans and coaches that do not meet specified exhaust emissions standards, with the aim of encouraging operators to fit exhaust emission clean-up technology (such as particle traps) or switch to cleaner, alternative fuels and help clean up London s air quality. In 2010 the Mayor confirmed that the LEZ will affect larger vans, minibuses, motor caravans and other specialist vehicles from 3 January In addition the Mayor will ensure that, subject to Government support, by 2015 all buses in London will meet the Euro IV standard for NO x, through the specification of new buses and retrofitting of older buses in order to meet the proposed LEZ Phase 5 standard. The LEZ does not include private cars. It has been anticipated that the LEZ will: Reduce total road traffic related emissions of PM 10 by up to 6.6 percent in 2012, with beneficial effects on other pollutants such as NO x. Reduce the area of Greater London with levels of PM 10 that exceed the annual mean air quality objective by 14 percent, and for the area with excessive levels of NO 2 to reduce by 20 percent by The introduction of new LEZ standards for LGVs and minibuses in 2012 would reduce emissions of particulate matter by around 80 tonnes and emissions of NO x by around 1,200 tonnes by Over a ten year period, projections suggest that people who would otherwise die prematurely as a result of poor air quality will gain additional life expectancy totalling 5,000 years. Over the same period, lower levels of illness would mean a reduction of about 250,000 restricted activity days and more than 3000,000 cases where respiratory symptoms are reduced in severity. Tightening the standards to include a NO x Euro IV standard in 2015 is expected to save around 250 tonnes of NO x in that year in relation to emissions from HGVs and coaches. The retrofitting of buses to comply with this would also save around 590 tonnes of NO x. Significant earlier benefits are expected through pre-compliance. Croydon believes that the LEZ is an important London-wide step to improving air quality. It targets resources where they will have greatest effect, in tackling heavy vehicles. -24-

25 J. Air quality on the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN): We will work with Transport for London to seek to reduce air pollution on congested sections of the TLRN. Modeling and monitoring of air quality shows that air pollution levels in Croydon are highest along the main roads, particularly at junctions. Large stretches of these roads, including the A23, are part of the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN). A feasibility study was undertaken to investigate measures that could be introduced along the TLRN in Croydon to reduce traffic emissions and congestion. The study recommended optimising the phasing of traffic lights and investigate the potential benefits of a Split Cycle Offset Optimisation Technique (SCOOT) system. TfL is currently installing SCOOT infrastructure (either new or enhancements to existing) at various location along the A23, some of the new locations are listed below: 1. London Road Norbury. This will incorporate all nine pedestrian crossing facilities between Thornton Ponds and Green Lane. 2. Thornton Heath Ponds gyratory. 3. Pedestrian facilities around Lombard roundabout. 4. Purley Cross gyratory system. 5. Brighton Road junction with Old Lodge Lane. 6. Coulsdon. It is estimated to be fully operational by the end of Further information about SCOOT can be found at

26 Appendix 1: Air pollution levels and health advice Table 1 Air pollution banding Value Accompanying health messages for at-risk groups and the general population At-risk individuals * General population Low 1 3 Enjoy your usual outdoor activities. Moderate 4 6 Adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, who experience symptoms, should consider reducing strenuous physical activity, particularly outdoors. High 7-9 Adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, should reduce strenuous physical exertion, particularly outdoors, and particularly if they experience symptoms. People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often. Older people should also reduce physical exertion Very High 10 Adults and children with lung problems, adults with heart problems, and older people, should avoid strenuous physical activity. People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often. Enjoy your usual outdoor activities. Enjoy your usual outdoor activities. Anyone experiencing discomfort such as sore eyes, cough or sore throat should consider reducing activity, particularly outdoors. Reduce physical exertion, particularly outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as cough or sore throat. *Adults and children with heart or lung problems are at greater risk of symptoms. Follow your doctor s usual advice about exercising and managing your condition. It is possible that very sensitive individuals may experience health effects even on Low air pollution days. Anyone experiencing symptoms should follow the guidance provided in section B -26-

27 Appendix 2: Attributable deaths due to air pollution in Croydon by ward Table 2 Ward Total population Attributable death Addiscombe 16, Ashburton 13,905 8 Bensham Manor 16, Broad Green 15,794 9 Coulsdon East 12,092 7 Coulsdon West 13,412 8 Croham 15,043 9 Fairfield 16, Fieldway 11,019 7 Heathfield 12,984 8 Kenley 14,240 9 New Addington 10,261 6 Norbury 14,632 9 Purley 14,111 8 Sanderstead 12,078 7 Selhurst 15,175 9 Selsdon and Ballards 11,751 7 Shirley 13,772 8 South Norwood 15,043 9 Thornton Heat 14,923 9 Upper Norwood 14,918 9 Waddon 14,584 9 West Thornton 16, Woodside 15, Total 341,

28 Appendix 3: Air quality figures and tables Figure 1: Automatic monitoring site location map NOTE: Croydon 6: Data collection ceased in May 2009 Please note from January 2012 CR2 becomes CR7-28-

29 Table 3: Details of automatic monitoring sites Site Name Site Type OS Grid Ref Waddon Junior School, Purley Way (Croydon 2) Beulah Junior School, Thornton Heath (Croydon 3) George Street (Croydon 4) London Road, Norbury (Croydon 5) Pollutants monitored In AQMA? Relevant Exposure (distance (m) to releven exposure) Longterm Shortterm Roadside X Y NO 2 Y Y (School at 0.8m) Roadside X Y PM 10 Y Y (School at 3.5m) Roadside X Y NO 2, PM 10 Kerbside X Y NO 2 Y Y N Y (Offices at 4.6m) Y (Residential at 6.5m) Distance to kerb of nearest road Worstcase location? 2.75m Y N/A 8m N/A Y 0.95m Y Figure 2: Locations of diffusion tubes North Croydon -29-

30 Central Croydon CY42 CY56 (CR6) CY43 CY58 CY59 CY98 (CR4) CY97 (CR2) CY52 CY51 CY50 South Croydon CY41 and CY47 CY46-30-