Agenda item

Andrew Ford, Environmental Pollution, Policy and Project Manager updated the meeting on issues around Air Quality, its ongoing projects and its challenges.

In the discussion the following points were made:

·         Members were informed that public consultation about the new Air Quality Action Strategy ends on Sunday after which it will be considered and agreed by Executive. An action plan has been developed to implement the strategy.

·         Islington has been designated Area Quality Management Area due its levels of Nitrogen Oxide and Particulates and the Council continually seeks measures to improve the air quality in the borough.

·         Islington Council recognises the economic benefit to its residents and environment of  having good quality air and continually invests with partners and neighbouring authorities on measures to improve air quality.

·         Although the main source of pollution in the borough is from vehicles and other forms of combustible transport, other sources include domestic and commercial gas use and industry. It was noted that attempts to address pollution requires not only funding and support from central government but legislative changes and importantly behavioural changes from both producers and consumers.

·         Members acknowledged the initiatives which over the years had been introduced to tackle pollution from vehicles such as congestion charges, road safety, traffic management, walking and cycling improvements and improvements to public realm and spaces which has resulted in a significant improvement in the local air quality within the borough.  

·         Air pollution is not an issue confined to the borough so it is important that Islington continues to lobby the Mayor of London to introduce measures that would involve neighbouring authorities such as the Ultra-Low Emission Zones (which came into effect in April 2019),  the introduction of low emission and alternative fuelled taxis and improvements to the junctions at Old Street, Highbury Corner and Archway.

·         The Executive Member reminded members that Islington remains the first London authority to introduce diesel surcharges for resident parking and off street meter parking, as the Council recognises the harmful effect on the health and well-being of its residents.

·         The meeting was advised that to ensure that all its decisions are transparent, Islington publishes its Annual Status Report, all correspondences with consultees and feedback online. The Executive Member reiterated the challenges of addressing pollution over the years especially from the motoring industry to introduce cleaner technology who have resisted changes for a long time. Members were informed that the motoring industry needs to recognise that it has a significant role to play in addressing pollution.

·         In response to a member of the public observation that drivers in front of school gates are ignoring the Council’s anti-idling campaign, the meeting was advised that leaflets is readily available, however the Council will continue to monitor breaches and issue penalty charge notices to persistent offenders as it is important to raise the awareness of car pollution and its impact on the health and well-being of residents and school children in particular.

·         In response to a question raised by a member of the public about the integrity of the performance data provided within quarterly reports, the Executive Member advised that recycling data for instance is required by law and verified by government who track it and the other data in the report is information reporting on what the council is doing, ie the number of electric charging units installed.

The Chair thanked Andrew Ford for his contribution, informing the meeting that considering air quality is of interest not only with councillors but Islington residents in general, the Committee would be receiving a further update from the Air quality officer at the February meeting when the issue of climate change is to be discussed.

In addition the meeting was advised that an invitation is to be extended to Dr Ian Mudway of Kings College, an expert on air quality to share his knowledge and experience with the committee early in the new year.