Coronavirus: Traffic pollution in London fell by up to 50% during lockdown, study finds

Londoners urgently want action to tackle air pollution, surveys reveal

I had imagined moving back to London and cycling my bike in the new cycle lanes and enjoying some kind of new, green urban utopia (Getty)

Major pollution hotspots in London saw toxic emissions fall by up to 50 per cent at rush hour during lockdown, new research has revealed

On average the pollutant nitrogen oxide decreased by 30 per cent on or near key routes through the city including at Borough High Street, Cowcross Street - near Farringdon train station, and South Street - next to Park Lane.

The research, by the Environmental Defense Fund Europe (EDFE) and the charity Global Action Plan, also found 73 per cent of Londoners are not happy at having to travel at rush hour.

EDFE analysed pollution data from the Breathe London monitoring network during morning (8-11am) and evening (5-8pm) commuting hours in the first four weeks of lockdown, finding significant reductions including at:

• Borough High Street, at the end of London Bridge: 37 per cent morning and 47 per cent evening
• Cowcross Street, near Farringdon Train Station: 38 per cent morning and 43 per cent evening
• South Street, adjacent to Park Lane: 32 per cent morning and 50 per cent evening.

In order to keep air pollution down as travel restrictions ease, particularly during rush hour, Global Action Plan is now calling on businesses to offer remote working to employees to ease pressure during peak travel times.

The organisation said other, separate research it conducted on behalf of urban health foundation Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity, found 72 per cent of Londoners have noticed cleaner air during lockdown, while 70 per cent said they now want government and local authorities to tackle air pollution and traffic even more urgently than before the coronavirus outbreak.

Chris Large, joint chief executive at Global Action Plan, said: “These findings are clear: air pollution clears up rapidly when we stop driving polluting vehicles. Children in some London boroughs average 10 per cent smaller lungs than the UK average, and this stunting stays for life. Businesses can end this disadvantage to London’s inner-city children by committing to tackling air pollution”.

Shirley Rodrigues, London’s deputy mayor for environment and energy, said: “Toxic air contributes to thousands of premature deaths in London every year and there is emerging evidence linking air pollution with an increased vulnerability to Covid-19.

“London’s recovery from this pandemic must be a green, fair and prosperous one, and it’s clear that Londoners agree. Our challenge is to eradicate air pollution permanently and ensure the gains we’ve made through policies such as ULEZ (the ultra low emission zone) continue.

Kate Langford of Guy’s and St Thomas’ charity, said: “We know that air pollution disproportionately impacts some people’s health more than others, including children and people with long-term conditions.

“This research makes clear that Londoners want the cleaner air and safer streets they have experienced in the last few months to remain, and that all parts of society including employers and businesses have a part to play in making the cities we live in healthier.”