Air pollution created by diesel cars is 23% higher in neighbourhoods outside of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), according to new analysis by Environmental Defense Fund Europe (EDF Europe).
Based on modelled Breathe London data at 231 locations across the UK capital, the assessment reveals concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NOx) gases from diesel cars are highest at the following five study sites:
- The Broadway, Southall
- Cromwell Road, Kingston
- Romford Road
- Putney High Street
- Euston Road
NOx pollution includes nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which can reportedly lead to adverse health impacts such as inflaming airways and aggravating existing heart and lung diseases. Diesel engine exhausts have also been classified as carcinogenic to humans.
The analysis looked at sites where diesel cars contribute the most to NOx pollution, and found that those with the highest contributions were in areas that will be excluded from the expanded ULEZ, which currently covers central London, but which will be expanded up to, but not including, the North and South Circular roads from October 2021.
EDF Europe said it is alarming that one of the study locations with the highest pollution concentrations and greatest contribution from diesel cars is a site in Wembley in Brent, which is one of London’s most deprived neighbourhoods with poor respiratory health outcomes. The proportion of young people aged 10 to 18 requiring emergency admission for asthma is over 57% higher in Brent than in England as a whole
The analysis also examined the number of cars in the UK capital. According to EDF Europe, car ownership in Outer London boroughs has been creeping up almost every year to reach its highest level in a decade. There are reportedly more than 750,000 diesel cars still registered in London – 50% more than in 2010.
Oliver Lord, head of policy and campaigns at EDF Europe, said: “There is no hiding from the magnitude of pollution from diesel cars. Increasing car ownership and a lack of policy in Outer London could leave us in danger of dividing communities, and some of the most deprived neighbourhoods are at risk of being left behind in the fight for clean air. We need more ambition at a local level and for the government to give us all the certainty that diesel has had its day, sooner rather than later.”
The environmental group added that the analysis raises a “red flag to policymakers that a lack of action, especially in Outer London, may result in a car-led recovery that would likely increase toxic air pollution”.
The UK government recently consulted on ending the sale of diesel cars, alongside petrol cars and vans by 2035. However, EDF Europe has urged the government to bring forward this date to 2030.
A previous report by EDF Europe recommended that, as electric car sales increase, support should be targeted at or prioritised towards lower-income households. Examples include the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program in California, zero-interest loans in Scotland and London’s vehicle scrappage scheme.
