The Post-Election Verdict: Urgency on air pollution must prevail over political posturing

The political dust may have begun to settle after the Conservatives’ shock “hold” at the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election a fortnight ago.?But dangerous PM2.5 particulates remain very much in the air.

It is a fairly depressing picture to see MPs in both big parties go cold on the idea of ULEZ, fearing potential backlash from voters.?By-elections are infamous as lightning rods for protest, and famous for their irrelevance when it comes to the following general election result.

Yet if the reality is of political leaders (with the notable and honourable exception of Sadiq Khan) taking fright over Low Emission Zones, we have to ask “if not that, then what”?

Enjoy the Air is here to help.?We have set out some guiding principles for cities and localities, setting out the steps they can take to challenge environmental issues head on.

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An attractive city is climate resilient. City centres filled with polluting cars not only affect the air we breathe, they hinder the overall experience and appeal of our cities. Creating walkable city centres that prioritise people over cars, fosters vibrant communities and in turn increases tourism appeal.

In more rural areas where this isn’t feasible, accessible and affordable public transport links are essential so that leaving the car at home for trips to nearby towns becomes a real option.

Competition, evaluation and devolution

It will take a village to address air pollution, one city cannot act alone to address UK-wide issues. This is why local authorities need to collaborate and give each other continuous feedback on what is working effectively and what isn’t.?Failure is usually an essential step on the road to success.

Likewise, understanding the specific issues that affect each local community is vital in crafting place based solutions that address each city's unique circumstances. Anonymised data plays a pivotal role in this process, allowing us to delve deep into the heart of the problem and create solutions that work.

Transparency

By involving rather than dictating to the community, local government has a much better chance of fostering a sense of collective responsibility about combating air pollution. Transparent decisions will garner public support and encourage active behaviour change, paving the way for effective implementation of pollution-reducing measures.

In the case of ULEZ for example, making it clear where the money will be spent is key to bringing people on side and cutting criticism that is profit making masquerading as environmentalism. If it could be clearly demonstrated that the fees went towards increased bus provision, or reduced ticket prices, local communities may be less apprehensive to see systems introduced.

Linking air quality to health

In England alone, health and social care costs related to poor air quality could reach?￡5.3 billion by 2035.?By investing in cleaner air, we not only improve public health but also reduce the strain on our healthcare system.

The economic savings unlocked by mitigating air pollution-related diseases are therefore significant. But councils who help the NHS in this way do not see the benefit in their grants from central government: they should argue to claw some of that money back.?

In our project with Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, we launched a pilot scheme to understand the public health benefits of reducing air pollution levels. This research project brought together combined expertise in environmental data analytics, noncommunicable disease modelling, behaviour change and the consumer digital experience.

The results were astounding, and showed how poor air quality in Sandwell has ongoing detrimental effects on local health with a projected surge of 50,000 new cases of air pollution related diseases in the next decade.

Meanwhile, by investing in necessary interventions to reduce air pollution, Sandwell could unlock community wealth by saving ￡37 million in NHS direct costs over the next decade.

Tackling air pollution also aligns with global efforts to achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The impact of air pollution is relevant to various SDGs, from health and climate action to sustainable cities. By taking meaningful action now, our cities can contribute to the larger global movement for clean air.

What comes next?

Reducing the debate about air quality to the geographical application of one ULEZ in one city (London), risks undermining the gravity of the situation at hand.

The universal principles we have set out should be rolled out countrywide, with each locality applying them in the best possible way for their area.?Small gains and behaviour changes should be celebrated, with a financial gain for the council concerned.

Political party games on ULEZ may have provided a floundering government with a ?short-term boost.?But the consequences of continued inaction will be most acutely felt by those who do not yet have a vote – today’s children.

A surprise by-election result – perhaps a week long news story – is a poor reason indeed to put their long-term health at risk