Photo credit: Dominika Gregušová
by Daniel Fink, MD, Chair, The Quiet Coalition
The Guardian and other media outlets recently reported that London’s efforts to reduce air pollution by establishing an Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) were successful. Here is the Greater London Authority’s report. Vehicles not meeting strict European standards for cleaner exhaust emissions must pay a fine of 12.5 British pounds. At current exchange rates, that’s about $16, not a trivial expense.
Despite opposition from conservative lawmakers at the local and national levels, London expanded the ULEZ. The report documents that ULEZ expansion was successful at reducing air pollutants caused by vehicle emissions. Vehicle exhausts emit nitric oxide and small particles called PM2.5, both of which have been connected to various diseases and increased mortality.
The Quiet Coalition is concerned about transportation noise, but reducing air pollution associated with noise is part of the mission statement of TQC’s parent organization, Quiet Communities, Inc. Many highly-polluting vehicles, especially those with diesel engines, are also noisier than other vehicles, especially electric vehicles. Reducing vehicle-associated air pollution will likely also lead to quieter streets. Of course, the ultimate goal of these efforts is to reduce road traffic in London, both cleaning and quieting the air.
We hope efforts like London’s ULEZ can be imported to cities in the United States. Quieter cities with cleaner air will be better and healthier for all.
