How Would You Curb Air Pollution?

Air pollution has become one of the modern world’s most pressing problems. The issue is experienced in countries across the globe, and the UK is no exception. In Great Britain alone Clean Air in London maintains that air pollution causes 55,000 deaths a year, with 70% of harmful toxins emitted by vehicles.

In fact, the effects of air pollution have been a concern for city dwellers since the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, which you can read about in: The History of UK Air Pollution! Looking Back through Smog Tinted Glasses.

In 2015 the Department for Transport announced it will launch a multi-million pound scheme aiming to curb air pollution, increase air quality and make Britain a healthier nation. Dubbed the ‘Go Ultra Low City Scheme,’ the plan is backed with a huge £35 million which will be used to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles and the introduction of low emission zones across the nation.

Funding will be available to cities and towns throughout the UK, with the Department for Transport calling on local authorities to put forward any ideas they feel will boost the effectiveness of the scheme. The department has already received some innovative suggestions, including installing electric vehicle (EV) charging points at strategic location, trialling new eco-friendly technologies, introducing low emission zones in high traffic areas and encouraging workplace carpool schemes.

Cities set to bid for cash

In an effort to ensure funds are able to make a positive difference to air quality the £35 million will be shared by a maximum of four cities or towns. Localities have been invited to submit outline bids highlighting how they plan to use the funds. The deadline is set for February 20 2015, with the winning entrants announced sometime this autumn.  

The Go Ultra Low City Scheme has received widespread support from government departments and public residents alike. Transport Minister Baroness Kramer considers the scheme as an unambiguous sign that the current government is dedicated to curbing air pollution and encouraging the nationwide use of electric cars. "I would like to encourage local authorities to take up this fantastic opportunity. This can help to transform people's quality of life in their cities and build a stronger economy," she said.

The need to make a good impression

While idealists would put the Go Ultra Low City Scheme down to Westminster’s eco-friendly conscience others suspect that is was heavily influenced by increasing pressure from Europe. Last year the government lost a high profile case which saw the European Court of Justice penalise the nation for failing to comply with legal limits applied to nitrogen dioxide emissions.

What are your thoughts?

We’ve looked at how modern air pollution regulations could be changed to help in this article: Flexibility is Key to Solving Air Pollution Abatement Challenges. But, we’re more interested in your ideas. Do you think the government is doing enough to curb air pollution? If not, have you got any better ideas? After all, we do live in a democracy which means every opinion counts… We want to know your thoughts!