Pollution levels over one and a half times legal limit
POLLUTION levels in some areas of Greater Manchester are more than one-and-a-half times the legal limit, figures show.
Scientists say that’s why drastic action is needed to curb the number of diesel cars on the roads, cut emissions - and save lives.
And the controversial ‘Clean Air Zone’ plan to charge drivers £7.50 to enter the city, could offer the solution.
Nitrogen dioxide, a toxic chemical produced by diesel engines, causes dangerous pollution around Greater Manchester’s busiest roads.
That is currently contributing to more than a thousand premature deaths every year. Manchester council figures from 2015 show nitrogen dioxide levels reached 66 micrograms per cubic metre on Oxford Road - when the statutory EU level is 40.
That measurement is a guide to what levels are likely to be on similarly busy roads across the region.
Meanwhile, a government report shows the average figure across Greater Manchester this year is predicted to be 51 - still well above the limit.
Hugh Coe, a professor of atmospheric composition at the University of Manchester, says charging drivers of high-polluting vehicles to enter the city centre could work.
But a Clean Air Zone plan, revealed in a document obtained by our sister paper the M.E.N and part of a wider national requirement, would need to be part of a range of measures.
He said: “The problem with diesel cars is that the on-road performances are not meeting the off-road standards in tests. They are more polluting than predicted.
“This is an urgent problem that needs to be solved. It does affect people’s health, particularly young and older people, those with asthma and people living and working in built up areas are suffering a severe amount of pollution. The Clean Air Zone plan could work to reduce air pollution. If you crank up charges less people will drive through these polluted zones. Whether it’s fair to penalise people who have invested in technology believing it to be clean is a good question, it’s the political question.”
But he said there were risks, including cost and alienation of the public.
He also warned if not carried out correctly, polluting traffic could end up being diverted into other areas.
He urged for a ‘holistic approach’ - with other measures like traffic management, public transport improvements, encouraging commuters to use cleaner vehicles, and reduction in fume-making stopstart traffic.
Predicting most people would be driving electric cars in 20 years’ time, he added: “I think TfGM are looking at a raft of measures to raise awareness of pollution to move things forward. What everyone wants is an efficient well run city.
“This is not a congestion charge.
“It’s a way of trying to tackle hot spots and sort out a problem where it’s chronic.”