Volkswagen’s involvement in the 2015 diesel emissions scandal laid bare a massive deception within the automobile industry. For years, diesel cars were promoted as a more environmentally friendly option, with better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions than gasoline-powered vehicles. However, the truth about their NOx emissions, a powerful greenhouse gas and air pollutant, was shockingly different. Diesel engines on the roads emitted up to 40 times more nitrogen dioxide than the standards allowed. This posed a severe health risk, particularly to children, who are vulnerable to the long-term effects of air pollutants.
In the wake of this revelation, a crucial conversation has been ignited. London, a city renowned for its iconic red buses and black cabs, is at the forefront of the fight against diesel emissions. The advocacy group Mums for Lungs, made up of concerned parents, highlighted the persistence of elevated nitrogen dioxide levels, which alarmingly remained high throughout the last few years. This was particularly striking given the substantial reduction in road traffic as a result of pandemic lockdowns, which had initially led to a dramatic decrease in air pollutants.
London’s Looming Air Quality Catastrophe
London, the historic epicentre of industry and empire, stands at a crossroads. Diesel emissions have created toxic air hotspots, with pollutants extending far beyond the conventional understanding of urban smog. Notably, certain boroughs have been branded as particularly perilous for kids. Recent data reveals that dangerous levels of air pollution are present at 15 critical locations across London. Toxic air quality has surpassed legal limits and the subsequent effects of diesel emissions on the environment and public health are raising serious concerns about the efficacy of current policies and measures in place to protect citizens.
Brixton Road, located in the borough of Lambeth, has recorded nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations of 60 mg/m3, a staggering number that exceeds the safe limit of 40 mg/m3 set by law. Putney High Street closely follows with a high of 58 mg/m3, and Hanger Lane registers 51mg/m3, both significantly over the acceptable standards.
Alarmingly, two of the affected sites, Walbrook Wharf and Strand, lie within the confines of the Ultra Low-Emission Zones (ULEZ) which were specifically designed to combat pollution. Furthermore, eight additional locations will soon come under the ULEZ expansion plans, intensifying the imperative for immediate solutions. Not contained to the city centre, pollution touches outer London regions. Ikea Brent, Crooked Billet in Waltham Forest, as well as specific sites in Kingston and Morden also grapple with toxic air quality levels.
Comprehensive research by Environmental Defense Fund Europe (EDF Europe) indicates that a disproportionate contribution of NO2 pollution emanates from diesel-powered transport such as regular cars, taxis, commercial vans, and large freight carriers. An estimated two-thirds of the nitrogen dioxide pollution can be attributed to these diesel vehicles, highlighting an urgent need for a cleaner transportation infrastructure.
A striking pattern emerges as nine out of the fifteen blacklisted locations fall on or near London’s Red Routes – roads that are critical to the city’s traffic system but are now notorious for their hazardous air quality. Through the comprehensive data gathered it becomes clear that despite steps toward mitigating air pollution, London faces an ongoing battle with toxic air that requires stronger, more decisive action. The city must reevaluate its strategies for reducing pollution from diesel vehicles and prioritise sustainable transportation.
The Power of the People and the Urgency of Public Policy
On the ground, parents, and campaigners are not merely asking for change; they’re demanding it. Organisations like Mums for Lungs have made their mark on the public consciousness, painting a vivid picture of the stakes involved. Policy changes at the city level are only effective if they reverberate throughout the fabric of society. It’s not a change that will happen overnight, but it is one that public pressure, sound policy, and innovation can bring to fruition.
Mayor Sadiq Khan expanded the ULEZ to enhance health and added £5 million to TfL’s ULEZ scrappage schemes, bringing the total to £61 million. Despite the increased funds, most grants have been issued, leading to the suspension of schemes for vans and lorries due to high demand.
The GLA Conservatives and Federation of Small Businesses united in a letter urging the Mayor to do more, emphasising that it would accelerate the transition to cleaner vehicles and contribute to a ‘green recovery’.
To create a truly sustainable and healthy environment for our children, we must tackle the issue from all angles. The repercussions of Dieselgate serve as a stark reminder of the accountability that the industry must bear. In parallel, public policy and personal choices, such as adopting electric vehicles and greener travel habits, can drive crucial shifts in urban infrastructure and the automotive market. The benefits extend beyond the immediate improvement in air quality. Join the crusade for a diesel-free London. Visit Emissions.co.uk now.
