News / Bristol
Polluting NO2 levels twice the legal limit in parts of Bristol
The extent of Bristol’s air pollution crisis has been revealed in a new report.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels were recorded at twice the legal limit in parts of the city, prompting calls for a crackdown on diesel cars that are responsible for the bulk of the dangerous emissions.
The report was commissioned by Bristol City Council as part of a Clean Air Action Plan that gained cross party support as members acknowledged the need for urgent measures to address the ‘public health crisis’ facing communities.
is needed now More than ever
Graph showing areas in Bristol where recorded NO2 levels exceed the legal limit
Responding to the latest findings, Green councillor Jerome Thomas said: “This research is very helpful in identifying the sources of air pollution in central Bristol.
“The statistics highlighting the air pollution caused by diesel cars is a particular cause for concern and suggests that any plan to secure breathable air for Bristolians must include action on these polluting vehicles.”
Council research indicates that diesel cars and LGVs combined contribute nearly two thirds of Nitrogen Oxides emissions in the city centre
The report reveals that diesel engines are responsible for 40 per cent of the NO2 pollution, while diesel cars and LGVs account for nearly two thirds of these emissions in central Bristol.
It also states that, in terms of the general trend, there has been no significant improvement in NO2 pollution levels, which remain above the legal limit.
Jerome Thomas (pictured on the far left with fellow Green Party members in one of Bristol’s most congested spots) says action to combat air pollution needs to include a clampdown on diesel engines
Thomas added: “Under recent government guidance, Bristol has a legal duty to develop an Air Quality Action Plan to bring NO2 levels below legal limits and reduce the public health impact of air pollution.”
Health impacts of air pollution, of which NO2 is a major component, include poor lung development and asthma among children, and deaths from cardiac and respiratory causes among adults.
The Green Party has developed a five point plan to tackle the crisis, that includes restricting access of the most polluting vehicles, cleaning up the city’s buses and taxis and promoting electric motors, car clubs, walking and cycling.
Green Party co-leader Caroline, with members and school pupils in Bristol to highlight the dangers of air pollution
A petition calling for Bristol’s air pollution to be reduced as a matter of urgency gained 4,370 signatures, prompting a debate on the matter in City Hall last month.
The issue will come before the council’s cabinet again next week.
Read more: ‘Clean air now for Bristol’
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