The case for clean air zones

In December 2020, for the first time, a landmark ruling stated that air pollution had been a contributing factor in
the death of a nine year old child in London following an asthma attack.

Toxic air pollution is harming people. Every year, up to 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide are attributed to poor outdoor air quality.
It is linked to major health issues, such as cancer, asthma and strokes. There are also concerns that people living in polluted areas and
suffering from these health problems have been more vulnerable to the impacts of Covid-19.

This problem is also economically damaging. Estimates suggest that the UK economy would save £1.6 billion annually by tackling air pollution, from a reduced number of premature deaths, fewer days off due to sickness and higher work productivity.

The government is beginning to address the problem with its 2019 Clean Air Strategy and local authorities across the country are increasingly taking action. But significantly more needs to be done to bring UK cities and towns in line with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The most effective way to reduce pollution is by designating clean air zones. These are specific areas where targeted action is taken, often in the form of charging the
most polluting vehicles for entering the zone. They are designed to encourage the shift to cleaner vehicles and alternative modes of transport.
Clean air zones are now found in over 250 cities across Europe, and there is comprehensive research demonstrating that they work.

Continue reading the report here
The case for clean air zones (green-alliance.org.uk)