Air pollution

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

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