National Clean Air Day in Hounslow
29 June 2018
To mark National Clean Air Day on Thursday 21 June, Hounslow Council rolled out a range of initiatives to improve air quality in Hounslow and highlighted ways residents can do their bit to help.
An educational anti-idle event took place at St Mary's and William Hogarth schools to highlight the damaging effects idling engines contribute to local air pollution. Council staff, school representatives, and volunteers approached idling vehicles at the end of the school day, warning of the dangers. Enforcement was also initiated at idle ‘hotspots’ within the borough.
The council also initiated collaboration with doctors’ surgeries, encouraging the use of Hounslow’s free AirTEXT service, as people with lung or heart problems may be affected by higher than normal levels of air pollution. In addition, free cycle training sessions have been made available in schools and the Civic Centre to promote active transport.
As part of the council’s ongoing work and commitment to improve air quality for those who live, work and visit the borough, the roll-out of electric vehicle (EV) on-street charge points into lamp columns will continue. The next batch of 13 potential EV charging bays was released for consultation on Clean AirDay.
Cllr Katherine Dunne, Cabinet member for Communities and Workforce, said: “The council is committed to fulfill its statutory obligation to continue to explore new and innovative ways to improve air quality. Our commitment, coupled with engagement from local groups and communities, will create and deliver environmental improvements that are essential to safeguarding public health and quality of life. It has been great to see the enthusiasm of local children, teachers and parents towards improving air quality, whether by using alternative modes of transport, cutting down on car use or discouraging idling.”
To have your say on the new EV charging bays, visit www.hounslow.gov.uk/consultations.
To read the council’s recently published Air Quality Annual Status Report 2017 and Twickenham Road Monitoring Report 2017, visit www.hounslow.gov.uk/airquality.