By: Leo Carroll

Leo Carroll — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 13:42:18 +0000

The concept of an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is wonderful if it is designed to reduce diesel emissions, and the mayors plan is close to doing this. Unfortunately, he is basing the entrance into the zone on EU vehicle certification standards, not on real-world driving emissions. We all know about the VW Dieselgate scandal and the revelations that nearly all other vehicle manufacturers found loopholes in the test. The streets are filled with diesel vehicles that passed the EU certification test, but spew toxic levels of NO2 and PM 2.5 into the air. What is needed is an emissions detection and reporting (EDAR) system, like those used in the United States. These systems measure emissions as vehicle drive on the road. The systems are available and could be deployed immediately. This would allow the city to determine which vehicles are causing the pollution problem in London, and not be dependent on a flawed EU certification status. The city could then put in place a policy to deal with the real cause of the problem. You can not solve the problem unless you identify who is causing it.

By: Renee Hamptons

Renee Hamptons — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 15:27:38 +0000

A great article on a terrible problem. It is also worth adding that the costs of air pollution are borne overwhelmingly by lower-income groups, who are more likely to have jobs outside (e.g. in construction) and more likely to live in polluted areas. Reducing air pollution therefore also improves health equity in London, an important goal in an increasingly unequal city.

Comments on: London’s air pollution costs 10,000 lives a year – radical change can’t wait any longer

By: Leo Carroll

By: Renee Hamptons