Clean air zones must be expanded in towns and cities as part of measures to cut pollution levels as evidence mounts that high Covid-19 infection rates are linked to poor air quality.
The call for the government to take greater action to tackle air pollution is made in a report from the All Party Parliamentary Committee on Air Pollution in a report published today.
Introducing the report Air Quality Strategy to Reduce Coronavirus Infection, Geraint Davies MP, said: “Various studies in the US, China and Europe have identified the strong correlation between areas of high air pollution and Covid-19 deaths.
“In addition, emerging evidence suggests that short-term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of coronavirus infection. This may be explained by pollution inflaming the lungs, making them more susceptible to a respiratory virus.
“Separately, Queen Mary University of London research suggests an interaction between particulates and ACE2, the Covid-19 receptor.”
He added: “It is therefore essential that the government ensures pollution remains low.”
The study calls for a number of actions to be taken, including:
• Extending the Low Emission Zones, Ultra Low Emission Zones and Congestion Zones in UK cities
• Electrification of delivery vehicles
• Setting targets set for retailers to reduce emissions through clustering the timing of delivery along routes
• Repurposing traffic lanes and parking spaces for cycling and wider footways
• Investing in cycle lanes
• Promoting greater pedestrianisation
• Stopping non-essential vehicle travel during lockdown
• Accelerating electric vehicle rollouts and infrastructure
• Introducing vehicle scrappage schemes for older vehicles
• Reducing or establishing zero vehicle excise duty for electric or hydrogen vehicles
• Bringing forward ban on new fossil fuel engines to 2030 at the latest
• Withdrawing subsidy on red diesel and provide grant for alternative machinery
• Electrification of delivery vehicles
• Setting targets set for retailers to reduce emissions through clustering the timing of delivery along routes
• Support capacity for farms to deliver directly to consumers including to food charities
• Promote local production to reduce emissions
