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Report for: ACTION

Contains Confidential or Exempt Information

No

Title Housing and Environment Scrutiny Committee Review of Air Quality

Member Reporting Cllr Guy Lambert – Chair of Task and Finish Group

Contact Details Michael Edley, Policy and Scrutiny Officer 020 8583 2365; [email protected]

For Consideration By Housing and Environment Panel prior to submission to Cabinet

Date to be Considered 5th March 2018

Implementation Date if Not Called In

N/A

Affected Wards All

Keywords/Index Scrutiny, Air quality, Health, interventions, NOx, particulates

1. DETAILS OF RECOMMENDATIONS

The Panel is asked to:

Agree the findings and recommendations of the review into Air Quality

Agree to put the recommendations to Cabinet to consider and respond to the findings and recommendations within six weeks of receipt

If the recommendations are adopted, how will residents benefit?

Benefits to residents and reasons why they will benefit, link to Values

Dates by which they can expect to notice a difference

2. REPORT SUMMARY

The report sets out the findings and recommendations from a review of Air Quality carried out by a task and finish group of the Housing and Environment Scrutiny Panel

The key findings of the Task and Finish Group are as follows:

LBH already has a number of relevant interventions in operation but many are disconnected. As a result, it is difficult to get a clear picture of the work the council is doing in response to this issue or for residents/businesses to understand their responsibilities and the different ways in which they could play their part.

mailto:[email protected]

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NOx and particulates arising from road transport and buildings are issues that the council has the greatest ability to influence and should be the focus of any interventions adopted by the council

There are at least 60 possible interventions available to Hounslow to prevent reduce NOx and particulates from road vehicles and buildings or to mitigate their impacts on health.

The recommendations of the Task and Finish Group are that:

a. Air Quality and impacts on Health in Hounslow should be a priority for the next administration;

b. A named Member and a Senior Manager/Director should be appointed to take overall responsibility for the delivery of 4 year targets across 4 cross-cutting programmes that seek to prevent/reduce/mitigate NOx and particulate air pollutants and their impacts on health;

c. Whilst LBH already has many elements in place/planned they are

somewhat disconnected and need to be brought together into a small number of public-facing programmes/initiatives. These should provide residents and businesses with the ‘story’ of the council’s leadership, its overall approach, and how they can get involved, get support and get information;

d. These programmes should build on and add value to existing/planned

activity by virtue of additional elements, joining of targets, raising awareness and encouraging active engagement; and

e. Four public facing programmes should be developed and, focus around:

Encouraging and supporting home-owners to reduce outgoings by addressing their impacts on the environment.

Encouraging and supporting SMEs (through the Hounslow Economic Partnership) to reduce their overheads and increase business by addressing their impact on the environment;

Promoting and facilitating cycling in the borough as healthier, reducing pollution and congestion, and more economical, whilst encouraging lesser dependence on private vehicles; and

Protecting the health of those most vulnerable to poor air quality (i.e: children; those with ongoing conditions that make them more susceptible to exposure to NOx and particulates; and the elderly);

The full report is attached as ANNEX 1.

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3. REASONS FOR DECISION AND OPTIONS CONSIDERED

3.1 At its work planning workshop in June 2017 the Housing and Environment

Scrutiny Panel agreed to include in its work programme a review of Air Quality in Hounslow.

3.2 A Task & Finish Group (T&FG) was formed in the early autumn 2017

comprising Cllr Lambert (Chair), Cllr Carey, Cllr Collins and Cllr Anderson, Cllr Bath and Cllr Hearn.

3.3 The T&FG drew upon a review of the scientific and agency literature and the

work of other London Boroughs

To understand and evaluate the extent of air pollution in Hounslow in terms of chemicals, their sources their concentrations in air and acceptable levels, spatial variability and current and future trends;

To understand the current and future available interventions to prevent or mitigate air pollution or its health impacts. The review will want to explore technical, behavioural, legal, infrastructure and environmental interventions;

To evaluate these interventions using PESTLE type approach specific to Hounslow; and

To make recommendations as to the key issues and interventions appropriate to London Borough of Hounslow and understand and set out the main challenges and barriers that might prevent their application.

3.4 The Housing and Environment Scrutiny Panel considered the report in March

2017, agreeing the attached report and recommendations 4 KEY IMPLICATIONS 4.1 The report identifies key air pollutants that are of most concern in relation to

impacts on the health of people living and working in the borough and the predominant sources of emissions that LBH is most able to influence. A review using these factors as criteria, identified a number of relevant interventions that were identified available to the council.

4.2 The panel proposed that these interventions be considered for implementation

in the context of existing and planned activity to establish four cohesive programmes with clear implementation plans that would deliver ambitions outcomes at the end of a 4-year period.

4.3 Two additional recommendations relate to making air quality and health a

priority for the council and that a member and a senior manager provide leadership and take joint responsibility to ensure action plans are implemented for the four programmes.

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5. FINANCIAL DETAILS a) Financial Impact on The Budget (Mandatory)

Scrutiny has no financial decision-making powers. The recommendations emerging from the review, and any financial impact, would be considered as part of the response by Cabinet.

b) Comments of the Director of Finance and Corporate Services [Insert] 6. LEGAL DETAILS/COMMENTS OF THE HEAD OF GOVERNANCE

The Overview & Scrutiny Procedure Rules within the Council’s Constitution state ‘The Council or Cabinet shall consider the report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee or panels within six weeks of it being submitted to the proper officer. Where this is not possible the Council or the Cabinet in consultation with the chair of the Committee or panel will agree an appropriate timescale for consideration of the report.’

7. VALUE FOR MONEY Not applicable 8. SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT APPRAISAL Not applicable 9. RISK MANAGEMENT

Not applicable. 10. LINKS TO COUNCIL PRIORITIES An Ambitious Council which improves the lives of residents and works in a

transparent and efficient way. 11. EQUALITIES, HUMAN RIGHTS AND COMMUNITY COHESION

The Council has to give due regard to its Equalities Duties, in particular with respect to general duties arising from section 149 of the Equality Act 2010. Having due regard to the need to advance equality involves, in particular, the need to remove or minimize disadvantages suffered by equalities groups.

The Council has considered the relevance of the proposal to the provisions of the Equality Act 2010, in particular for those with the following protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and the Human Rights Act 1998. The assessment concluded that Equalities Duties are not engaged by this proposal. The proposal is also compatible with Human Rights Articles and as the report does not have any significant bearing on the substantive equality duty it is not considered necessary to undertake an Equality Analysis

12. STAFFING/WORKFORCE AND ACCOMMODATION IMPLICATIONS Not applicable 13. PROPERTY AND ASSETS

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Not applicable 14. ANY OTHER IMPLICATIONS Not applicable 15. CONSULTATION Not applicable 16. TIMETABLE FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Not applicable 17. APPENDICES

ANNEX 1: Report of the Task & Finish Group

18. BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS None

Housing & Environment Scrutiny Panel Annex 1: Review of Air Quality:

Findings and Recommendations

February 2018

HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENT SCRUTINY PANEL: REVIEW 2017/18

Air Quality: Final Report: Findings and Recommendations 1

Review of Air Quality: Final Report

CONTENTS Page 1. Introduction and Purpose of the Review 2 2. Members of the Task and Finish Review Group and Terms Of Reference 2

3. Background to Air Pollution and Health 3 4. Air Quality and Health in Hounslow 7

5. Review of available interventions to prevent or mitigate air pollution and its health impacts. 11

6. Recommendations 12

APPENDICES Appendix A: Key air pollutants (from DEFRA) 13 Appendix B: Summary of Key Air Quality Legislation 18 Appendix C: Long list of interventions 22 Appendix D: Recommended interventions available to Hounslow

grouped into 4 cohesive, public-facing programmes 30



1. Introduction and Purpose of the Review In the summer of 2017, the Housing and environment task group agreed that Air Quality and its impact on health will be the review topic for 2017/18, with a focus on the range of available prevention and mitigation actions relevant to LBH. This report sets out the task group’s findings providing:

a general background to air pollution, their impacts on health and relevant legislation in the UK,

current levels and trends of the key air pollutants in Hounslow and their predicted health impacts; and

a long list of interventions potentially available to London Borough of Hounslow drawn from the experience of other city authorities both in the UK and internationally.

The report also sets out the recommendations of the task group that following evaluation review and produce a shortlist of available actions it might take to prevent/reduce and mitigate levels of air emissions and their impacts on health. The shortlist will form the basis of recommendations to Cabinet.

2. Members of the Task and Finish Review Group (TFG) and terms of reference

2.1 TFG Membership The Task and Finish Group is comprised of the following members: Guy Lambert (Chair), Sam Hearn, Mel Collins, Keith Anderson and Lily Bath

2.2 Terms of Reference The Task and Finish Group agreed the following terms of reference for the review: a. To understand and evaluate the extent of air pollution in Hounslow in terms of

chemicals, their sources their concentrations in air and acceptable levels, spatial variability and current and future trends;

b. To understand the current and future available interventions to prevent or mitigate air

pollution or its health impacts. The review will want to explore technical, behavioural, legal, infrastructure and environmental interventions;

c. To evaluate these interventions using PESTLE type approach specific to Hounslow; and d. To make recommendations as to the key issues and interventions appropriate to

London Borough of Hounslow and understand and set out the main challenges and barriers that might prevent their application.

2.3 Approach to the Review The review is being undertaken through literature review, discussion with officers and evaluation by members. As mentioned above, a key phase of this review will be undertaken at the Scrutiny Panel’s meeting on 17th January, when it will produce a shortlist of possible actions that Hounslow might implement as the basis of recommendations to Cabinet



3.0 Background to Air Pollution and Health Air pollution is defined as a mixture of gases and particles that have been emitted into the atmosphere by man-made processes. The combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, petrol or diesel is the most significant source of the key pollutants of concern to local authorities. Air pollution is of concern as it has negative impacts on human health and the natural environment.

The principal pollutants (see Appendix A) produced by industrial, domestic and traffic sources are as follows:

Sulphur dioxide

Nitrogen oxides

Particular matter (PM10, PM2.5 and PM1)

Ozone and volatile organic compounds

Toxic Organic Micro-Pollutants (TOMPS)

Benzene

1,3-Butadiene

Carbon monoxide

Lead and heavy metals

More detail relating to their sources and impacts can be found in Appendix A. Historically, the main air pollution problem in both developed and rapidly industrialising countries has typically been high levels of smoke and sulphur dioxide emitted following the combustion of sulphur-containing fossil fuels such as coal, used for domestic and industrial puposes. These days, the major threat to clean air is now posed by traffic emissions. Petrol and diesel-engined motor vehicles emit a wide variety of pollutants, principally carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM10), which have an increasing impact on urban air quality.

In addition, pollutants from these sources may not only prove a problem in the immediate vicinity of these sources, but can be transported long distances.

Photochemical reactions resulting from the action of sunlight on nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and VOCs, typically emitted from road vehicles, lead to the formation of ozone. Ozone is a secondary pollutant, which often impacts rural areas far from the original emission site as a result of long-range transport.

In all except worst-case situations, industrial and domestic pollutant sources, together with their impact on air quality, tend to be steady or improving over time. However, traffic pollution problems are worsening world-wide.

Because of their potential impacts on human health, welfare and the natural environment, ambient concentrations for a number of these pollutants are measured continuously at a wide range of rural and urban locations throughout the UK.

3.1 Air pollution in the UK

Air pollution in the UK has declined significantly over recent decades through measures to reduce pollution from transport, industrial and domestic sources. However, the rate of reduction is now levelling off for some key pollutants such as oxides of nitrogen. Even though air quality across the UK is generally considered good most of the time, elevated pollution concentrations still occur in many urban locations in the UK. Estimated real time pollution levels at a postcode area, as well as forecasts can be found at https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/

https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/



Sources of air pollution (London)

Figures 1 and 2 show sources of NOx and PM2.5 in central London respectively

Figure 1

Figure 2

3.2 Legislative and regulatory context and opportunities.

A summary of the key legislation and plans targeting air pollution is provided in Appendix B. Boroughs have an important role to play in addressing local pollution. The statutory basis for local authority air quality obligations is Part IV of the Environment Act 1995. This requires that London boroughs monitor and review pollution. Where they exceed standards, they must declare a London Local Air Quality Management Area (LLAQM) and put in place an action plan detailing how they will tackle the problem.

River, 1.5%

Rail, 1.9%

NRMM, 4.6%

Domestic and

Commercial Gas, 32.2%

Domestic and

Commercial Other Fuels,

1.9%

Other, 0.1%

Motorcycle, 0.3%

Taxi, 8.5%

Petrol Car, 3.5%

Diesel Car, 7.2%

Petrol LGV, 0.1%

Diesel LGV, 5.1%

TfL Bus, 17.7%

Non-TfL Bus and Coach, 6.8%

Artic HGV, 1.5%

Rigid HGV, 7.2%

Road Transport,

57.9%

River, 1.0%

Rail, 3.3%

NRMM, 10.0%

D&C Gas, 11.5%

D&C Other Fuels, 2.4%

Other, 4.9%

Resuspension, 1.7%

C&D Dust, 0.2%

Motorcycle, 1.3%

Taxi, 17.6%

Petrol Car, 9.2%

Diesel Car, 11.5%

Petrol LGV,

0.1%

Diesel LGV,

10.8%

TfL Bus, 6.3%Non-TfL Bus

and Coach, 2.9%

Artic HGV, 0.7%

Rigid HGV, 4.5%

Road Transport,

64.9%



The levers/mechanisms under the control of boroughs include:

Emissions-based parking charges

Reducing pollution from new developments through the planning system (especially those that are not referred to the Mayor for London)

Improving public realm for walking and cycling

Rolling-out targeted measures at pollution hotspots

Integrating air quality into their public health duties

Supporting new infrastructure for fuelling zero emission vehicles;

Statutory powers can also be used to continue to discourage the anti-social burning and illegal use of wood-burning stoves to reduce smoke annoyance and health impacts

The draft Mayor’s Transport Strategy, commits TfL to offer boroughs support, including for the development and administration of traffic demand management schemes and through Local Implementation Plans (LIPs) to support the delivery of the Healthy Streets Approach. Help for boroughs in carrying out the exercise of their statutory duties to improve air quality is also available from the Mayor for London in the form of coordination, tools, templates, support and funding. Through the reformed LLAQM framework there are clearer requirements for the London boroughs and borough efforts to improve air quality will be recognised through awarding Cleaner Air Borough status. Support for boroughs and businesses to deliver local projects through the Mayor’s Air Quality Fund, will include at least five borough Low Emission Neighbourhoods and five business Low Emission Neighbourhoods. Finally under the LLAQM framework the Mayor can direct boroughs and require them to take steps to meet air quality objectives. These reserve powers can be used following consultation. 3.3. Theoretical and predicted population impacts of NOx and particulates on health

and mortality

There is a significant link between illness and exposure to air pollution.1

Impact of air pollution on health can range from unnoticed physiological changes to

restricted physical activity / reduced performance, to hospital admissions.2

NO2 exposure in high concentrations causes inflammation of the airways and long-term

exposure can affect lung function and respiratory symptoms. It can also increase asthma

symptoms.Error! Bookmark not defined.

PM aggravates respiratory and cardiovascular conditions; acts as a contributor to early

deaths from cardiovascular disease.

Studies have suggested that the most deprived areas of Britain bear a disproportionate

share of poor air quality.3

1 Partially quantified in UK government research, but covered in more depth in analysis for the European Commission (national rather than local level). 2 WHO, 2005 – Air Quality for Public Health Professionals Hounslow 2013 3 Mitchell, G., and others (2015) Who benefits from environmental policy? An environmental justice analysis of air quality change in Britain, 2001–2011. Environmental Research Letters.



A King’s College report4 estimates 102 equivalent attributable deaths, corresponding to

1,564 lost life years for 2010. The report also estimated 79-174 deaths linked to NO2

exposure and 1,200-2,700 life years lost annually.

Vulnerable groups / at-risk individuals

DEFRA studies show that the greatest burden of air pollution falls on the most vulnerable in

the population, such as children, older people and those with existing heart and lunch

conditions.

Individuals most at risk include those with existing respiratory problems and chronic illnesses

such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

In 2005, 2.4% of the Hounslow Borough suffered from coronary heart disease, 10% reported

diagnosed hypertension and 4.6% were reported asthma sufferers.5

The Health Effects Institute (HEI) panel concluded from evidence that there is a causal

relationship between exposure to traffic-related air pollution and exacerbation of asthma.

Hounslow’s air quality problems are largely caused by traffic emissions over a broad area.6

The British Medical Association in 2012 showed that prenatal exposure to air pollution is

associated with several adverse outcomes in pregnancy, such as low birth weight, intrauterine

growth retardation and increased risk of chronic diseases later in life.

Deprivation

A close link has been shown between areas of high deprivation and pollution, often because

homes and residences of these groups are situation next to roads with higher concentration of

emissions. Deprivation is measured based on an Index of Multiple Deprivation of seven

domain indices including income deprivation, employment deprivation, and living environment

(which uses air quality as a key indicator of deprivation). LBH is ranked 151st out of 326 Local

Authorities, with 1 being the most deprived, in the 2015 Index of Multiple Deprivation.

Summary: Due to emission volumes and overall impacts on health, Particulate matter from road transport and Nitrous Oxides arising from road transport and domestic and commercial heating systems are priorities

4 Air quality improvement initiatives in other cities: A brief review of evidence to inform the Westminster City. June 2017. Rachel Hesketh, Laura Jones, Saba Hinrichs-Krapels, Ali Kirk, Sophie Johnson. The Policy Institute at King’s College 5 Population profile 2005 – Tom Morgan 6 Revision of Hounslow’s Air Quality Action Plan – Draft final report 04/05/17, Dr Mike Holland.



4.0 Air quality and Health in Hounslow

The air pollutants currently monitored by the six local authority funded monitoring sites in the

London Borough of Hounslow (LBH) are NO2, PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and O3. (Fig. 3)

Figure 3. Focus areas in Hounslow from Greater London Authority (GLA) 2013 report

Current trends

A 2016 annual assessment has shown a gradual reduction in the annual mean

concentration level of NO2 and particulate matter in Hounslow.7

Between 2010 and 2015, there were reductions across the network of monitoring stations

in Hounslow ranging from 3% to 35% in NO2 concentration level, and from 4% to 19% in

PM10 concentration level. However, the annual mean concentration level of NO2 still

exceeds the Air Quality Standards (AQS) and the National & European Directive limit

values/targets, and remains a problem in LBH.7

Levels of other air pollutants complied with objectives, though some concerns have been

identified with levels of fine particles (PM10) and the hourly limit for NO2.8

[Chiswick achieved a reduction of over 13% in NO2 annual mean value and a reduction of

almost 25% reduction in PM10 annual mean value; and reductions of almost 15% and

11% in NO2 and PM10 concentration values respectively, at Heston.9 Reductions may be

due to the implementation of enhanced traffic signal systems (SCOOT) in Chiswick and

the introduction of a hybrid bus on one of seven routes.9]

Forecasted trends

7 Joint Strategic Needs Assessment 2016/17 - Factsheet: Air Quality 8 Item 6 Pollution Air Quality Appendix 2 AQAP report 2017 9 Annual status report 2016



NO2 emissions:

GLA forecast estimates for 2020 predict a general reduction in NO2 concentrations across

the LBH, reflected a 20% fall in emissions of NO2 in Hounslow which is anticipated

between 2013 and 2020. However, it is predicted that there will remain exceedances

linked to many parts of the strategic road network that cross the Borough.

The major sources of NO2 in Hounslow in 2013 were Heathrow Airport and road transport;

by 2030 it is anticipated that emissions from road transport will have reduced to a similar

level to those of industry, domestic and commercial fuel use.

Figures 4, 5 and 6 below show a reduction in the annual mean of NO2 concentrations

from 2008/13 to 2020/30.

PM10 emissions:

Similarly, the highest concentrations of PM10 are linked to the strategic road network in

Hounslow, and a noticeable decline in concentration is predicted from 2013 to 2020.

Road transport via both exhaust emission and re-suspension of road dust will remain the

most dominant source of PM by 2030.

From 2008 to 2030 it is forecast that NO2 emissions will fall by 50%, PM10 by 24% and

PM2.5 by 39%. The slower decline of PM10 relative to PM2.5 is a result of the lack of

available measures for addressing resuspension of road dust, which is concentrated in the

PM10 fraction and shows no real forecasted change over the time period.

Figure 4 Sources of NO2 emissions from 2008-2030



Figure 5. Annual mean of NO2 concentrations in LBH in 2013

Figure 6. Predicted annual mean of NO2 concentrations in LBH in 2020



Impacts on Health in Hounslow

It is estimated that poor air quality causes 200 premature deaths each year.10 In 2015 the

percentage of mortality attributable to air pollution was as follows: 7

England London Hounslow

4.7% 5.6% 5.3%

This equates to estimates of 102 Deaths due to fine particles and 79-174 Deaths due to NOx.

It should also be noted, that whilst the headline impact of deaths due to air pollution are of

great concern, the chronic impacts of air pollution levels on people in Hounslow, whilst more

difficult to isolate and quantify, will certainly lead to significant periods of ill health, poorer

quality of life and extended periods of days out of work or study for a much larger proportion

of the population at all life stages.

Summary: Nitrous Oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) emissions

from road transport and domestic and commercial heating are currently

and will continue to pose the biggest threat to the health of residents in

Hounslow.

This should be the focus of actions by LBH in relation to improving air

quality and health in the borough.

10 Joint Strategic Needs Assessment 2017 LBH.



5.0 Review of available interventions to prevent or mitigate air pollution and

its health impacts.

A desk top review was carried out to identify interventions, available to LBH, that would

prevent, reduce or mitigate N0x and particulates from road vehicles and from buildings. Key

reports include The London Councils11 and Public Health England12 who have both produced

valuable reports that put forward possible interventions. available to local, regional and

national public agencies. A report13 produced by Kings College on behalf of London Borough

of Westminster provided a valuable international dimension by reviewing interventions

adopted by city regions comparable to London in a number of countries. As well as a review

of literature, a sample of London boroughs such as Camden, Greenwich, Brent, and

Westminster were also assessed.

The interventions identified in the review are set out in Appendix C. Tables 1-4 list possible interventions that aim to prevent or reduce emissions and Table 5 lists actions to mitigate the health effects of air emissions. The lower number of mitigating interventions reflect the fact that in the context of air pollution, it is much harder to put the genie back in the bottle once released. Together there are 59 interventions that could be adopted by Hounslow either directly or in a modified format. This long list was then the subject of evaluation by members of the H&E Scrutiny Panel (Workshop 17th January 2018) who, taking account of estimates of effectiveness, cost/benefit and public and political acceptability excluded ?? interventions came to a number of recommendations set out below

11 Demystifying Air Pollution in London. Full report January 2018. London Councils 12 NICE Report on Air pollution: outdoor air quality and health, June 2017. Public Health England 13 Air quality improvement initiatives in other cities: A brief review of evidence to inform the Westminster City Council Air Quality Task Group. King’s Policy Institute, 2017



6.0 Recommendations Task and finish group members, in consideration of the shorter list of ??, and taking account of activity already in place or planned (as indicated in Appendix D, Tables 1-4) have made the following recommendations: a. That LBH builds 4 public facing programmes that seek to prevent/reduce/mitigate NOx

and particulate air pollutants and their impacts on health and that focus on:

Protecting the health of those most vulnerable to poor air quality (i.e: children; those with ongoing conditions that make them more susceptible to exposure to NOx and particulates; and the elderly);

Promoting and facilitating cycling in the borough as healthier and more economical;

Encouraging and supporting SMEs (through the Hounslow Economic Partnership) to reduce their overheads and increase business by addressing their impact on the environment; and

Encouraging and supporting home-owners to reduce outgoings by addressing their impacts on the environment and in particular, energy use.

b. That for each programme the proposed interventions (set out in Appendix D) are considered along with relevant current and planned activity to produce coherent branded, public facing programmes to inform, engage and support residents and businesses in Hounslow.

c. That each programme should have clear and ambitious outcomes underpinned with an action plan, milestones and indicators measuring both outputs and outcomes.

Further, the T&F Group members, in taking account of the significant increase in awareness by the public of air quality as a key issue, have made the following additional recommendations:

d. That the issue of air quality and impact on health in Hounslow should be a priority for the next administration; and

e. That a named Member and a Senior Manager/Director are appointed to take responsibility for the delivery of 5 year targets across the 4 cross cutting programmes



Appendix A: Key air pollutants (from DEFRA)

Appendix B: Summary of Key Air Quality Legislation The Greater London Authority Act 1999 (the GLA Act)

Requires the Mayor to include in his Air Quality Strategy policies and proposals for the implementation in Greater London of the policies contained in the strategy prepared and published by the Secretary of State in accordance with section 80 of the Environment Act 1995 (National Air Quality Strategy), and For the achievement in Greater London of the air quality standards and objectives prescribed in regulations made under section 87(2)(a) and (b) of that Act; this is done in the Air Quality (England) Regulations 2000 (“the 2000 Regulations”). The GLA Act requires the Strategy to contain information about the following matters: Greater London’s current air quality and its likely future air quality the measures which are to be taken by the Mayor and Transport for London for the purpose of implementing the Strategy. The measures which other persons or bodies are to be encouraged by the Mayor to take for the purpose of its implementation

EU Ambient Air Quality Directive (2008/50/EC)

A revision of previously existing European air quality legislation which sets out long‐term air quality objectives and legally binding limits for ambient concentrations of certain pollutants in the air. The directive replaced nearly all the previous EU air quality legislation and was made law in England through the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010 The strictest type of air quality objectives contained in the Directive are known as “limit values.” Limit values are set for:

oxide (SO2)

The standards are based on the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, include limit values, which are legally binding and must not be exceeded.

EU Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution (2005)

Aims to cut the annual number of premature deaths from air pollution-related diseases by almost 40 per cent by 2020 (using 2000 as the base year), as well as substantially reducing the area of forests and other ecosystems suffering damage from airborne pollutants.

Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010

Establishes mandatory standards for air quality and set objectives for sulphur and nitrogen dioxide, suspended particulates and lead in air. Some pollutants have Air Quality Objectives (AQOs) expressed as annual mean concentrations due to the chronic way in which they affect human health or the natural environment (i.e. impacts occur after a prolonged period of exposure to elevated concentrations). Others have AQOs expressed as 24-hour or 1-hour mean concentrations due to the acute way in which they affect human health or the natural environment (i.e. after a relatively short period of exposure). Introduction of a new control framework for PM2.5, as required by the Air Quality Directive. This sets a national exposure reduction target defined as a percentage reduction in annual average concentrations of PM2.5 in urban background locations across the country, to be achieved by 2020.



Environment Act 1995 Under “the 1995 Act” the Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) boroughs must regularly review and assess air quality within their boroughs and designate Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) where UK standards and objectives are currently not being met. Currently all 33 London boroughs have designated AQMAs and the associated Air Quality Action Plans.

National Planning Policy Framework (2012)

Paragraph 124 identifies that: “planning policies should sustain compliance with and contribute towards EU limit values or national objectives for pollutants, taking into account the presence of Air Quality Management Areas and the cumulative impacts on air quality from individual sites in local areas. Planning decisions should ensure that any new development in Air Quality Management Areas is consistent with the local air quality action plan” (Department for Communities and Local Government, 2012, p. 29). In delivering sustainable development the key planning objectives should be:

onomy.

Defra’s Air Quality Plan (2015) (Defra, revised January 2016)

Includes zone specific air quality plans which set targeted local, regional and national measures to ensure the UK air will be cleaner than ever before. There is an air quality plan for achieving EU air quality limit values for NO2 in Greater London (September 2011). The plan identifies a variety of joint measures to improve NO2 in the Greater London Urban Area agglomeration zone, including measures at different administrative levels (EU, national, regional and local). Some measures include, for example, promoting smarter travel, congestion charging, sustainable freight distribution, smoothing traffic flow, low-carbon vehicles, clean transport technologies and renewable energy sources

London Air Quality Network Summary Report 2014 (March 2016)

This report details the results of air pollution measurements made on the London Air Quality Network during 2014 (and in 2016). The London Air Quality Network (LAQN) is a unique resource, providing robust air pollution measurements that are essential to underpin air quality management and health studies. Results on Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, Nitrogen Oxides, Ozone, Sulphur Dioxide, PM10 & PM2.5.

TfL’s Transport Action Plan, Improving the Health of Londoners (February 2014)

Recognises the importance of transport and street environments in improving people’s health. It identifies air quality as one indicator of a healthy street environment and that poor air quality can impact upon cardiovascular disease and respiratory diseases depending on a number of factors such as a person’s exposure to air quality and their vulnerability to disease.

TfL’s Transport Emission Road Map (September 2014)

The Transport Emissions Roadmap (TERM) focuses on how to reduce emissions from ground-based transport in London. The measures put forward in this Roadmap reflect the legal responsibilities of all public bodies to take appropriate action to ensure compliance with EU legal air quality requirements as soon as possible.



Top Ten Measures 1) Implementing an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in central London 2) Tightening the Low Emission Zone 3) Making traffic management and regulation smarter 4) Helping Londoners tackle air pollution and climate change 5) Driving the uptake of Low Emission Vehicles 6) Cleaning up electricity for London's transport 7) Transforming London's bus fleet 8) Delivering zero emissions taxi and private hire fleets 9) Transforming London's public and commercial fleets 10) Developing Low Emission Neighbourhoods. TERM is not intended to be a finalised plan but part of an on-going discussion.

Mayor’s Air Quality Fund (MAQF) Guidance (June 2015) and First Round Report (July 2016)

The Guidance contains information on eligibility criteria for the MAQF and the Report summarises the outcomes from the first round of funding. The MAQF is part of our package of support for London boroughs to help them tackle local pollution problems, it supports the statutory requirements we place on boroughs through the Local Air Quality Management Framework (see below).

LAQM (Local Air Quality Management) Framework. Includes: Policy and Technical Guidance and a range of tools and templates. Borough Air Quality Action Plans and Annual Status reports

The LAQM framework details how boroughs are required to monitor and take action on air quality, in order to ensure that monitoring is undertaken across London and that effective action is taken locally. Boroughs produce Air Quality Action Plans every 5 years which detail their work programme, and they produce Annual Status Reports which summarise local air quality monitoring for the year and update on progress against delivery of actions.

Cleaning the Air, the Mayor’s Air Quality Strategy (GLA, December 2010) ;and,the Cleaner Air for London, the Progress Report on the delivery of the Mayor’s Air Quality Strategy (GLA, July 2015)

Details how the Mayor aims to protect Londoners' health and increase their quality of life by cleaning up the Capital's air. The strategy sets out a framework for improving London’s air quality and includes a range of measures such as age limits for taxis, promoting low-emission vehicles, eco-driving and new standards for the Low Emission Zone aimed at reducing emissions from transport.



WHO Air Quality Guidelines The "WHO Air quality guidelines" provide an assessment of health effects of air pollution and thresholds for health-harmful pollution levels. Policies and investments supporting cleaner transport, energy-efficient housing, power generation, industry and better municipal waste management would reduce key sources of urban outdoor air pollution. The 2005 "WHO Air quality guidelines" offer global guidance on thresholds and limits for key air pollutants that pose health risks. The Guidelines indicate that by reducing particulate matter (PM10) pollution from 70 to 20 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m), we can cut air pollution-related deaths by around 15%. The Guidelines apply worldwide and are based on expert evaluation in all WHO regions of current scientific evidence for:

Clean Air Act (1993) An Act to consolidate the Clean Air Acts 1956 and 1968

Mayor’s Transport Strategy (2010)

Reducing air pollutant emissions from ground-based transport, contributing to EU air quality targets. The strategy therefore promotes incentives to use low emission vehicles, develops the current Low Emission Zone (LEZ) and takes a lead by promoting a cleaner public service fleet, including buses, taxis and Greater London Authority (GLA) Group vehicles.



APPENDIX C: LONG LIST OF INTERVENTIONS. Those shaded, are interventions subsequently rejected by Panel members. TABLE 1. INTERVENTIONS FOCUSED ON EMISSIONS FROM BUILDINGS

No Intention of initiative

Details Mechanism Notes

1. Lower emissions

Energy efficiency training for building janitors provided in collaboration with building owners and managers

Education/ engagement

2. Lower emissions

Financial incentives to business owners improve the energy and water efficiency of their properties.

Financial: Incentive

3. Lower emissions

Education and outreach to improve energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings and industrial facilities, provide technical assistance to adopt and enforce energy efficiency building codes, including building inspector training, information and incentives to increase energy efficiency at schools.

Education/ engagement Could be linked to 4.8 in AQAP and LES 4.2.3c

4. Lower emissions

Ensure that all new buildings are built and operated per energy efficiency standards with third party verification of building performance.

engagement/Recognition

Local kitemark scheme – also raise awareness e.g. Green Deal Scheme

5. Lower emissions

‘What’s-your- Watt’ Programme allows residents to check out a watt meter at the library and learn how to reduce energy use at home.

Education/ engagement More possible given role out of smart meters by energy companies

6. Lower emissions

Piloting technology for energy storage, and streamlining permitting and interconnection process for residential energy storage projects

Piloting/testing/ New technology

7. Lower emissions

Regulation on wood burning devices - A rule which prevents use of wood-burning devices when air quality is forecast to be unhealthy

Regulation/legislative enforcement

This could be a targeted measure near schools/care homes.

8. Lower emissions

Posters and banners displayed in public online and resource guide to encourage households to carry out energy






saving measures

9. Leading by example

‘Lighthouse projects’ to construct energy-efficient buildings and retrofitting existing ones.

Infrastructure investment

Link to AQAP 4.8 and New Civic Centre?


Plans to monitor building energy usage via remote meter reading.

Education/ engagement Raise awareness of heat loss and energy inefficiency

11. Lower emissions

Free program to assist owners of small to mid-sized multi-family buildings to implement efficient upgrades by connecting with finance programmes and technical advice.

Financial: Incentive Link to 1 above e.g. Oxford Better Housing Better Health

12. Lower emissions

Training classes on energy efficiency for building professionals.

Education/engagement Link to LES 4.2.3c?

13. Lower emissions

Guidelines for affordable housing so it is environmentally friendly, minimises construction waste/ water consumption and promotes energy efficiency. (Require major publicly-financed construction projects to comply with standard)


Link to AQAP 4.8, LES 4.3.3a

14. Lower emissions

Bans on wood fires: As of 2015, wood fires have been banned in Paris. Prior to this, they were responsible for 23% of the city’s particulate pollution


15. Lower emissions

S.W.I.T.C.H. ‘Simple Ways I Take to Change My Habit’ campaign, trains volunteers to help households reduce energy consumption

Education/engagement Social media campaign

16. Lower emissions

Provide businesses with information on how to identify, finance and implement cost-effective energy savings.




2. INTERVENTIONS FOCUSED ON MULTIPLE EMISSION SOURCES



17. Lower emissions

Community Day exhibits and interaction with officers to foster understanding of what individuals can do to sustain green environment.


18. Lower emissions

Eco Friendly awards recognise the efforts and achievements of environmentally proactive Private Individuals and SMEs

Education/ engagement Expand existing Economic Partnership scheme with partners: See below

19. Lower emissions

‘Green Office’ Awards to recognise corporate commitment to the environment.

Education Expand existing scheme with partners: See Below



TABLE 3: INTERVENTIONS FOCUSED ON BICYCLES



20. Changing behaviour

Install Bike butlers: These lubricate chains, pump up tires etc. and. may be installed at metro stations


Link to awareness raising


Provide facilities at stations: Bike parking facilities in each metro and train station.


LES 4.2.1a


Norms for bicycle parking: Commercial developments should have 0.5 bicycle parking spaces per employee, residential developments should have 2.5 bicycle parking spaces per 100 m2

Regulation/ legislative enforcement

Needs to be part of overall cycling promotion


Improve cycling facilities: Partner with workplaces and educational institutions regarding bicycle facilities and information. Better facilities for city employees, such as parking, changing rooms and bike repair.

Partnership/ collaboration

Link to AQAP 1.10, LES 4.2.1a


Campaigns encouraging cycling creating perceptions that cycling is fun, faster, comfortable and safe. It is associated with personal/ societal benefits.


Link to AQAP 1.9, LES 4.2.1a Option could be partnership/ voluntary scheme


Expanding bike and car sharing, improving bicycle access across the transit system, e.g. equipping buses with bike racks.


Link key transport hubs to cycle routes


Branding: Brand region/area as a cycling city/area Engagement Hounslow could make much of this given its physical geography.


Intelligent bike share scheme so passengers of public transport may transfer to a bike to complete their journey.


With TfL Extension of Santander bikes


Provide electric bicycles: Collaborate with businesses [in Copenhagen] on pilot loan scheme for electric bicycles.



Use bikes for street cleaning, leaf and garbage removal and park maintenance.

Education/ engagement Would need to work with contractors where relevant



TABLE 4: INTERVENTIONS FOCUSED ON ROAD TRANSPORT




Regulate against idling at peak periods or at sensitive locations

Regulation & Infrastructure investment

Idling emissions are a key issue. This could be a targeted measure near schools/care homes. Link to AQAP 1.6, LES 4.1


Plans for schemes that allow the public and businesses to test electric cars, car-club schemes and hydrogen-electric cars.

Piloting/testing/New technology


Develop more EV charging stations on public property and streamline the permit process for charging stations in homes.


AQAP 1,7


Zoning amendments to facilitate the expansion of car sharing by enabling shared vehicles to be stationed in off street parking lots and garages.



Local 20km/h speed limit linked to removal of speed bumps Regulation & Infrastructure investment

See Surinderpal. Looks like this is covered (Speed bumps and care homes?)


A fleet of electric cars, car sharing for municipal employees. By 2020 the city aims to have a municipal fleet that is completely electric or hybrid

Infrastructure Discuss with Suri link to AQAP 2 and LES 4.3.2b


Establish a car share and van pool rideshare programme for employees


Already in place – encourage partners – get data

37. Lower emissions

Copenhagen has introduced emissions standards into its contracts with public transport bus operators


Link to AQAP 2, LES 4.3.2

38. Lower emissions

Grants to provide EV car sharing services to low income residents

Financial: Incentive Need to understand current modes of travel and costs

39. Lower emissions

Branded public education program ‘Turn it Off’ uses advertising to communicate the financial, environmental, legal and health costs of idling to drivers.

Education/engagement

40. Lower Legislation has been enacted to enable traffic wardens to issue Financial: Tax/Charging This could be a targeted





emissions tickets for idling violations (there is a law limiting idling to 3 minutes in New York City).

measure near schools/care homes. Link to AQAP 1.6

41. Lower emissions

Parking meter system charging more for parking at peak times to encourage parking for shorter times. It is intended to increase vehicle turnover and reduce congestion caused by cruising for parking spaces.

Financial: Tax/Charging

42. Lower emissions

Require that 20% of new off-street parking spaces are built charger-ready to accommodate electric cars and chargers in the future.


Need to better understand current and planned leg

43. Lower emissions

Public announcements to /residents to ask them to reduce car use on days when ground-level ozone is predicted to exceed Air Quality Standards.

Education/engagement

Could be adapted for other pollutants. Mayor of London is doing this but could be done better locally

44. Lower emissions

Encourage public agencies and private sector to contract with certified green fleets and providing grants to public agencies in greening their fleets.


Exclude grants

45. Lower emissions

Reduce car parking spaces within the city by small % every year to discourage car use.


46. Lower emissions

Courses to inform drivers of how correct driving will save up to 10% of fuel consumption.

Education/engagement Link to AQAP 2.4

47. Lower emissions

Regulations allow for higher densities of buildings close to stations and ensure that large offices are located within 500 metres of a station.


Local planning regs.


LED lights in tarmac: These indicate which mode of transport has priority and when, enabling the flexible sharing of road space.


Alterative approach to cycle pathways



TABLE 5: ACTIONS TO MITIGATE THE EFFECTS OF HARMFUL EMISSIONS

No Aim/intention of initiative


49. Reduce pollutants

Plant additional trees across the region. Infrastructure investment

Trees can collect air pollutants and particulates. Could be a targeted measure near schools/care homes. Link to LES 4.3.4 and LES 5.1.1e

50. Reduce health risk

Plant hedges (replace railings) on road facing boundaries

Investment

This could be a targeted measure near schools/care homes.

51. Reduce pollutants

Green roofs - Greenery on rooftops to address environmental problems, including air and water quality and countering the ‘heat island’ effect.


Greenery can trap particulate pollutants and prevent them re-entering air/water

52. Make cycling easier/healthier

‘Green wave’ system on designated routes co-ordinates the traffic lights to minimise stoppages for cyclists travelling at 20km/h.

Piloting/testing/ New technology

Helps cyclists avoid idling pollution


‘Tip us off’ website for cyclists to alert the city about potholes.


App approach possible but contract issues?


Develop new products such as valet parking for cyclists and treatments for cobblestones to make them easier to cycle.


With partners


Information about the fastest cycle routes via signage and GPS.


Could be adapted to offer greener, safer or pollutant avoiding routes Link to AQAP 1.9



No Aim/intention of initiative



Real time announcements of high levels of air pollutants Awareness

Mirrors plans by Mayor of London Despite concerns with this approach, a more informed, targeted Hounslow approach could be developed


Linked to announcements, schools/parents and /care homes advised to issue masks- focus on parents

Awareness

Similarly parents could be asked not to drive their kids to school when high pollution conditions are forecast although difficult to convince. Link to LES 4.3.4?


Filtered ventilation: Install filtered ventilation systems in schools and care homes

Investment Costly and controversial. Link to LES 4.3.4?

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Appenix D: to be tabled

report for: action title housing and environment scrutiny ...€¦ · pollution and congestion, and...

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