Ealing Friends of the Earth Looking Forward to Breathing Better

Says ULEZ is just one part of a move towards less polluted air

Ealing Friends of the Earth stall at Acton Market

March 30, 2023

The local branch of Friends of the Earth (FoE) is welcoming the forthcoming expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) across the borough while cautioning that it is only playing a small part in the reduction of pollution in the area.

In a statement the group says, “Unfortunately London’s air is pretty filthy, even if the pollution is not visible to the eye. Our government has failed to bring the UK within legal limits, let alone the World Health Organization guidelines. London-wide the bad air causes approximately 4,000 premature deaths each year – about 150 of those in Ealing. Many more suffer from long term diseases, such as chronic asthma which affects over half a million Londoners.”

It warns that there is no magic bullet that will deliver clean air, and although the ULEZ will reduce exhaust emissions, particulates from vehicle brake and tyre wear will remain, even from electric vehicles. Therefore, they conclude that the only way to decisively reduce pollution from road transport is for fewer people to drive and instead use public transport or walk and cycle. Using more active forms of travel could also help reduce current issues with obesity by getting people to increase the amount of exercise they get.

If you do have to drive, Ealing FoE says that you should try to avoid idling your engine when stationary for long periods. It reduces pollution, and your fuel bill too.

The Acton end of the borough, the part east of Hanger Lane and Gunnersbury Avenue - is already in the ULEZ, but from 23 August this year, anyone with a non-compliant vehicle will have to pay a daily charge or change their car.

Ealing FoE says, “It’s not perfect and it’s hard for people who have to change their car. But it will lower pollution – and if that saves you or your loved ones from a serious lung disease, it’s priceless.

“The mayor is giving £110 million in scrappage grants to Londoners on low incomes, charities, and small businesses whose vehicles would have to pay the charge.”

You can find out if you qualify for a scrappage grant by visiting the ULEZ web site.

However, Ealing FoE don’t believe efforts to improve air quality end there and it is focusing on the issue of solid-fuel fires such as log or coal burners.

It is urging people not to install them saying, “Yes, they have a cosy village cottage image - but we live in a city of 9 million, not a village. The terrible killer smogs of the 1950s were caused by the thousands of coal fires that heated homes back then. Getting rid of them was the best thing we did. Wood smoke might smell more homely but it’s just as full of toxic carcinogens. And in any case, wood stoves are becoming such a serious source of pollution, that there is likely to be pressure to ban them – so if you buy one you might find that the only thing that has gone up in smoke is your money.”