This post is by Yasmine El-Gabry, senior parliamentary campaigns manager at Global Action Plan.
Air pollution is the biggest environmental threat to our health and is associated with up to 43,000 deaths per year in the UK. It’s undeniable that this issue must be front and centre for the next government, as it touches so many aspects of our lives: health, environment, transport and housing. This Clean Air Day, Global Action Plan is calling on the next government to prioritise air quality and take ambitious steps towards a healthier and more equal country.
Air pollution is also a health inequalities issue. Global majority communities and those with the highest levels of deprivation are often living in the most polluted areas, and children, older people and those with health conditions are most at risk from the effects of air pollution.
With cars and vans being the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen oxides (NOx) air pollution in the UK, here are five significant actions the next government should take to clean up our air and improve health equality across all our communities:
Shift investment to public transport and active travelEvery community in the UK should have minimum levels of reliable, affordable bus services and safe walking and cycling options. In its first 100 days, the next government should reallocate funds, currently ringfenced around road projects, to active travel and public transport. This would provide funding for local authorities to invest, whether in local bus services which have seen cuts since 2010 or in safer walking, wheeling and cycling routes. Local decisions should be made for the benefit of local people who have few alternatives to bearing the expense of owning a car whether they want to or not.
Build housing with better transport optionsNew housing developments should be required to have affordable, accessible and frequent public transport links, as well as safe routes for walking, wheeling and cycling from the outset.
Just about every political party is committed to building new homes, but they should not overlook how families will access local services if they cannot safely walk, wheel or cycle to the shops or the nearest train station. People living in newly built housing should be empowered to actively travel if they want to and the government must mandate this in the planning stages. New housing developments should be built with active travel and public transport ready from the day the first resident moves in.
Keep pavements free of carsCouncils should be granted powers to stop vehicles parking on pavements. Pavement parking can leave those in wheelchairs or with prams unable to access pavements or even safely cross the road, making walking or wheeling dangerous and forcing them into the line of traffic. Giving all local authorities the same powers as London authorities to make these decisions will mean pavements are kept for people and make active travel and access to public transport more inclusive.
Reform rail fares and ticketingTrains are vital for many, especially for those who commute for work and education. We need a rail network which is greener, more affordable and easier to navigate. The next government should simplify the rail fare structure, make journeys more affordable across the whole day and ensure a reliable timetable so people are encouraged to take the train for regular commutes.
Create an integrated transport strategy for EnglandAn integrated transport strategy should target improvements in the nation’s health and better access to jobs and education, as well as action on climate, clean air and better neighbourhoods. If the next government prioritises our first four proposals, it is easy to imagine an integrated travel system in England. It would mean a safe and easy walk to the train station on your way to work or more easily being able to hop on a regular bus service to do your weekly shop. You could do this without the stress of sitting in traffic, knowing fares are affordable and that you can depend on the timetable to be correct. From improving an individual’s health through being more active to investing in our local economies and jobs, everyone can thrive in a place that prioritises taking fewer journeys by car.
Whether you are eight or 80, everyone should have the opportunity to travel in ways that are better for our health and the planet. These calls will give every person in the UK the opportunity to breathe cleaner air for their health and wellbeing, while co-benefitting our economy and environment. It’s a no-brainer for the next government to take these ambitious actions.
You can sign Global Action Plan’s petition here.
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- Source: https://greenallianceblog.org.uk/2024/06/20/five-ways-the-next-government-should-clean-up-our-toxic-air/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=five-ways-the-next-government-should-clean-up-our-toxic-air