A transport for London LEZ (Lower Emission Area) and Ulaz (Ultra Lower Emission area) is picture … [+]
A new guide has pointed out how local leaders at city level can handle air pollution through clean air areas and other measures.
The guidance compiled by experts in ARUP, on behalf of the clean air fund, aims to “support cities all over the world at whatever phase they are on their way to cleaning the fresh air.”
He underlines the role that clean air zones can play in addressing vehicle emissions, and how such areas should be adapted for the needs and circumstances of each city.
The instruction also underlines the need for urgent action and warns by 2050, seven of the ten people will live in cities and air breathing that is dangerous to their health.
He highlights the experiences that city leaders have had around the world after they have introduced clean air areas, including those in Krakow, Poland.
Clean Krakow Transport area or Czystego Strefa Transport (SCT) is planned to be in force in early July this year.
The instruction adds that poor air quality is a major issue in Krakow and extensive consultations with local residents, businesses and other stakeholders, including how to better limit the economic impact of new policy.
The guidance also includes a case study on the ultra low emission (ULZ) area, which currently operates in all municipalities of London in England.
He notes how in the months that led to the beginning of the Ulz expansion throughout London in August 2023, the scheme became “very politicized”.
He also states that the public in London, while supporting air quality improvement was more likely to oppose his expansion if they lived in foreign London.
There were raised concerns about the costs of replacing vehicles by individuals and businesses, especially during a time of high inflation and the cost of living.
Executive Director of the Strategic Partnership Fund, Sean Maguire said he is protecting for the cleanest air all over the world because it gives significant social, health and economic benefits in an interview.
Maquire said clean air zones are one of the several tools available to address the impact of air pollution and new guidelines will help decision makers determine whether it is suitable for them.
“Clean air zones work best when integrated with a broader approach to urban planning, city design and public transport and alternative options for using private cars,” he told me
“The ultimate goal has improved human well -being,” Maquire added.
“We want people to live longer. We want cities to be pleasant places to live. And ultimately, employers and the government want people to be more productive and have fewer days off. Improving air quality can offer many of these things. “
Associate Director of ARUP, Sarah Legge said that it is important to determine whether a clean air area is entitled to a particular city and the guidelines will help policymakers make sure it will meet their needs.
Added Legge in the development of guidelines, writers have examined the various challenges facing different cities, including the need for communication and commitment, and how some communities can be more affected by air pollution than others.
“Cities can do amazing things. They are more versatile than national governments, and they can adapt the necessary measures and deal with direct challenges, ”Legge said.
“One of the things we have tried to bring to this instruction is that policymakers may want to apply a clean air area as a measure of air quality, but equally they may want to introduce this as a measure of sustainable transportation.
“Decision makers may also want to present or support sustainable measures of urban development, as a clean air area can have many benefits. It is all about the quality of life and what kind of city you want to be. “