Putney High Street: One of the Most Polluted Streets in London
Putney High Street has been branded as one of the most polluted high streets in London. Wandsworth Council has been monitoring the air quality and has identified extreme levels of nitrogen dioxide, a toxic gas produced by vehicles. Within the first eight days of 2016, Putney High Street breached the annual limits of nitrogen dioxide. More than 1200 times during 2016, levels of the fumes hit up to 200 micrograms per cubic metre, compared to the recommended safe level of 40. Studies show that the poisonous gas emitted by traffic is connected to respiratory issues, heart problems and premature deaths. More than half of the 29 locations tested throughout Putney were found to have levels of nitrogen dioxide above the safe limit recommended by the EU. Three of the testing sites that failed were near schools, one of which being Putney High School.
So what is being done about this ticking time bomb for Putney residents? Wandsworth Council recently detailed on their website that major changes are being implemented to improve air quality on Putney High Street. The council have approved the first phase of a plan to revamp the high street, estimated to cost up to £640,000. Proposals include the installation of a ‘City Tree’ and planters along the road to help filter pollution. The council is also intending to improve the junctions of Putney Bridge and Lacy Road as well as widening pavements and building a Copenhagen crossing to help pedestrians navigate the busy high street. Copenhagen crossings work by blending the pavement into the road, signalling to drivers they are entering a pedestrian area where they must allow pedestrians to cross.
Whilst it is appreciated by Putney residents that Wandsworth Council is taking positive steps, there has been considerable adverse reaction to the plans with complaints that the proposals have not been properly thought through, particularly given the cost. The main cause of pollution on the high street is the number of vehicles and continual congestion along the entirety of the high street. Traffic moves slowly, increasing the levels of nitrogen dioxide, which collects and is trapped between the buildings lining the high street. Narrowing pavements and a Copenhagen crossing will only serve to slow traffic further and increase the congestion. Many question how the plans will improve air quality. Putney High Street is a major thoroughfare into and out of London and the traffic is not anticipated to reduce as a result of these measures.
Maybe it is because Putney High Street is a major road that the council are unwilling to take the brave step and ban buses and lorries, which are a prime cause of pollution. In March 2017, Sadiq Khan introduced cleaner, greener buses for London. Following a prioritisation of worst air quality hot spots, Putney High Street was the first zone outside of Central London to receive the new buses. These eco friendly low emission hybrid buses have assisted in reducing nitrogen dioxide levels, however until diesel buses are completely phased out, starting 2018, pollution levels will remain an issue. There has been an attempt to reduce lorries by limiting delivery times, however many companies flout the regulations. The number of lorries has not reduced as drivers continue to use the high street as their main route in and out of London.
Air pollution is a real health threat for Putney residents and visitors and more needs to be done. Children and vulnerable people are most at risk and both Wandsworth Council and the government must do more to address it.