Pollution Control – Local Air Quality

• Haringey’s Air Quality Action Plan
• Local Air Quality Monitoring and the Pollutants of Concern
• Air Quality Monitoring
• Local Air Quality Management
• What you can do to reduce air pollution
• Air Quality and Walking
• Air Pollution Alerts
• Air Quality and Planning
• What the council is doing
  • Year 2011 and Round two Mayor’s Air Quality Fund
  • Round three Mayor’s Air Quality Fund
• Contact

Haringey’s Air Quality Action Plan

The first Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) was published in 2003. In July 2011 the AQAP was revised and following a 8-week consultation period was adopted by the council. This second AQAP is aimed at reducing emissions of pollutant including NO2 and Particular Matters (PM10 & PM2.5), primarily through transport, non-transport and awareness raising measures.

An integrated approach to improving local air quality at priority locations has been adopted in the new Air Quality Action Plan 2019-2024 (PDF, 3MB) approved in November 2019 following a nine-week public consultation that ended on the 30 July 2019. This will help to ensure that policies and initiatives related to air quality, transport and planning are balanced and coordinated across the council. In the long term, tackling air quality issues together achieves greater cost savings and health benefits.

The AQAP has been produced as part of the London Local Air Quality Management System, a statutory process by which boroughs monitor, assess and take actions to tackle pollution.

Air pollution is a real issue has serious impacts on our health. It is associated with several adverse health impacts and it is recognised as a contributing factor in the onset of heart disease and cancer. Additionally, air pollution particularly affects the most vulnerable in society: children and older people, and those with heart and lung conditions. There is also often a strong correlation with equalities issues, because areas with poor air quality are often less affluent areas.

Following Statutory and Public consultation, our Air Quality Action Plan 2019-2024 has been revised and approved by the Mayor of London and subsequently by the cabinet to improve air quality in the borough in collaboration with all members of Haringey's community.

The plan outlines the actions that will be taken to improve air quality in Haringey between 2019-2024, under the following seven broad topics:

1. Monitoring and other core statutory duties
2. Missions from developments and buildings
3. Public health and awareness raising
4. Delivery servicing and freight
5. Borough fleet actions
6. Localised solutions which seek to improve the environment of neighbourhoods through a combination of measures
7. Leaner transport

To ensure that these actions meet the needs of those who live, work, attend schools and play in Haringey, the AQAP will be subject to an annual review, appraisal of progress and reporting to Directors of Planning, Public Health and Environment and Neighbourhood. Progress each year will be reported in the Annual Status Reports produced by us, as part of our statutory London Local Air Quality Management duties.

Back to top

Local Air Quality Monitoring and the Pollutants of Concern

Haringey Council has been monitoring the air quality in the borough for a number of years. Monitoring is carried out to ensure compliance with the Government's air quality objectives.

There are a total of seven pollutants for which the Government has set objective levels. Haringey is exceeding EU limits for Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) in parts of the borough. We are currently meeting the limits that are set by the EU for all other air pollutants, although we remain focused on Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5) because these pollutants have detrimental impacts on health at any level. There is no evidence that there is any safe level for PM2.5. They are small enough that they penetrate deeply into the lungs and get stuck there then cause negative impacts to human health.

The main areas of concern are main roads in the borough. Haringey Council has been taking actions to tackle emissions from road emissions in particular and other sources of pollution in general to improve Air Quality.

Back to top

Air Quality Monitoring

Air quality in Haringey is monitored using diffusion tubes and continuous analysers. The existing monitoring stations currently measure the concentration of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) in the atmosphere.

Overall monitoring for PM10 across London shows that the current objective values are largely met, therefore, monitoring for PM10 and PM2.5 ceased in Haringey in 2014 and 2016 respectively. Monitoring for both started again in May 2021 at our Wood Green monitoring site, locally funded by us.

Historical PM2.5 monitoring data is available from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs ( Defra) website (external link).

The other two continuous NOx monitoring sites are affiliated to the Automatic Urban and Rural Network (AURN), the national air quality network run by Defra, who use the data to report back on the UK’s air quality to the European Commission. In addition the continuous sites form part of the London Air Quality Network (LAQN). This network is run and managed by the Environmental Research Group (ERG) at Kings College, London. One automatic site is a roadside site and one is an urban background site. The urban background site also monitors for Ozone.

We have been monitoring for nitrogen dioxide by diffusion tube at 10 to 14 locations throughout the borough since 2004. This has increased to 35 locations since March 2021.

The locations are modified as and when required to fit the objective of the study. There are currently 37 diffusion tubes located across the borough - all passively monitor and so give an indication of the concentrations of nitrogen dioxide.

Source of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

Part of a group of gases called nitrous oxides, source apportionment work has shown that nitrogen dioxide in Haringey is primarily from road transport and domestic boilers. Health effects include an irritation of airways with respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath and cough. Inflames the lining of the lungs and can increase asthma symptoms at high concentrations.

Haringey's data from the continuous analysers can be found online:

• Data Archive Page from Defra (external link)
• Haringey Monitoring Data - Air Quality in England website (external link)

Back to top

Local Air Quality Management

Under Part IV on the Environment Act 1995, local authorities are required to periodically review and assess air quality in their area and identify areas where the air quality objectives are not likely to be met. The air quality objectives are set out for the seven pollutants in the Air Quality (England) Regulations 2000. The objectives are based on the health effects of air pollution. For areas where the air quality objectives are not likely to be achieved, local authorities have to declare Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) and produce Air Quality Action Plans (AQAP) detailing measures to work towards the achieving the air quality objectives. Following extensive review and assessment of all seven pollutants, Haringey Council declared the whole borough an AQMA for the pollutants of PM10 and NO2 in July 2001.

Haringey, like all authorities with AQMAs, has to produce annual reports to both Defra and the Greater London Authority (GLA) to show trends in air pollution and progress towards achievement of the air quality objectives for the pollutants concern.

Back to top

What You Can do to Reduce Air Pollution

Outside

Vehicles:

In Haringey the main source of air pollution is from vehicles. The suggestions below collectively work towards improving air quality:

• Use alternative forms of transport: walk, ride a bike or use public transport. Walking and using a bicycle to get around has the added benefit of keeping you fit
• Be organised and plan your errands into one journey where possible. Sign up to AirTEXT and use a walking route planner (Walk It website - external link) to plan your route
• If you have to drive, accelerate gradually and keep to the speed limit
• Drive less - particularly on days when the air quality is poor. If you have to use your car, try not to use it at least one day a week - instead use alternative forms of transport
• Keep your vehicle properly maintained and serviced. Keep your tyres properly inflated
• Do not sit with your engine idling
• When looking to purchase a new vehicle, look for the lowest-polluting vehicle or even a zero-emission electric car

Barbecues:

Barbecue smoke isn't particularly healthy to breathe. The smoke contains fine particles that can aggravate your lungs and the lighter fluids contain volatile organic compounds that add to air pollution. This air pollution has been linked to many different illnesses and can worsen chronic heart and lung disease. The following simple tips can minimise the pollution impact of your barbecue:

• Make sure you burn clean fuel – use clean, untreated wood (no paint or preservatives) or decent chunks of charcoal (not the dust)
• Gas barbecues make the least pollution – they are a better choice than charcoal or wood
• When you barbecue, the best bet is to use clean-burning propane or natural gas
• If you want to use wood or charcoal, use a modern lighter fluid (not petrol) – modern lighter fluids produce less pollution
• Electric starters can also be effective – and they don’t cause any air pollution
• Don’t put too much food on at once – if it produces a lot of fat, the whole barbecue goes up in smoke and flames

Barbecues can cause a nuisance to your neighbours. Find out more about how to avoid being a barbecue nuisance neighbour

At home

There are many ways air quality can be improved in the home through reducing energy consumption and choosing sustainable products. Using less natural gas and electricity (power plants burn fossil fuels to generate electricity) not only reduces energy bills but reduces the amount of pollutants emitted. There are many products in the home that pollute the air when used and can trigger asthma attacks or worsen respiratory illnesses.

The suggestions below will help reduce exposure in your home and many have the added benefits of saving money and lowering CO2 emissions:

• Turn lights off when you leave a room
• Use energy saving light bulbs
• Do not leave electrical products on standby - such as the television or hi-fi equipment
• Consider alternative energy solutions like solar or wind
• Fully insulate your roof and home where possible
• Have your gas appliances and heater regularly inspected and maintained
• Insulate your water heater and any accessible hot water pipes
• Do not burn wood or coal in an open fire place. Use either an exempt appliance or approved fuel. See the Defra Smoke Control information pages (external link) for more information
• Turn the radiators or heating thermostat down and put on an extra layer
• Recycle paper, plastic, metals, glass and compostable organic materials
• When ready to replace an appliance, look for low energy star rated products
• Choose products that use sustainable materials
• Use reusable grocery/shopping bags

At Work

A good portion of every week is spent at work. The suggestions below keep the workplace environmentally friendly and reduce emissions:

• A Carpool
• Use alternative ways of working, such as work from home one day a week
• If your workplace doesn’t recycle, start a recycling program
• Print and photocopy on both sides of paper
• Turn off office equipment, computers, printers and fax machines after hours
• Utilise the power of the sun: open the blinds and turn off the lights
• Dress for the weather and adjust layers before adjusting the thermostat

Back to top

Air Quality and Walking

Tackling poor air quality remains a challenging task given that Haringey, like other London boroughs continues to breach the air quality objectives for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and respirable particulates (PM10).

The dominant source of NO2 and PM10 emissions in Haringey is road transport. The 2008 London Atmospheric Emissions Inventory states that 57 percent of emissions of PM10 and 50 percent of NOx emissions in Haringey are from road vehicles.

Leaving your car at home and switching to walking or cycling instead can be very beneficial for you and the environment. You can find more information on health benefits, local walking routes and useful resources on our walking page. To plan your walking route to avoid polluted roads, calculate your carbon saving and step count, log onto the Walk It website (external link).

Back to top

Air pollution alerts

AirTEXT is a free service that alerts members when air pollution is poor. See the AirTEXT page for more information and find out how to register.

Back to top

Air Quality and Planning

Haringey has been declared an Air Quality Management Area for the pollutants of nitrogen dioxide and PM10 (respirable particles). Consideration of air quality, and in particular these two pollutants, must be given to the design and location of new developments. Air Quality is a material planning consideration and in some instances an Air Quality Assessment (AQA) will be required. For all developments adjacent to main roads of air pollution concern and air quality hotspot areas, consideration must be given to exposure reduction and mitigation against poor air quality. London specific planning guidance is available on the London Councils website - Air Quality and Planning Guidance (external link).

Policy 7.14 of the London Plan is about development and improving air quality. This can be found on the Mayor of London/London Assembly website (external link). The GLA have produced guidance for developers and planners to address air pollution in the planning process:

• Control of Dust and Emissions (external link)
• Sustainable Design and Construction (external link)

The Sustainable Design and Construction SPG supports the London Plan policy 7.14 and provides guidance on air quality neutral, Gas boilers emission limits and CHP.

Since 1 September 2015, councils in London have been required to enforce the requirements of the NRMM LEZ (Non Road Mobile Machinery Low Emission Zone), which has set emission limits for construction machinery. More information is available on the Non Road Mobile Machinery website (external link).

If you need further advice, please contact the council’s air quality officer.

Back to top

What the council is doing

Air quality is a notable topic that spans many service areas including our Borough Plan 2019-2023 priorities:

• Priority 2 - People: our vision is a Haringey where strong families, strong networks and strong communities nurture all residents to live well and achieve their potential
• Priority 3 - Place: a place with strong, resilient and connected communities where people can lead active and healthy lives in an environment that is safe, clean and green
• Priority 4 - Economy: a growing economy which provides opportunities for all our residents and supports our businesses to thrive

As well as the monitoring programme and working with other service areas, in order to raise awareness of air quality issues and affect wider air quality improvements, the council carries out project work. The GLA provides funding for such projects through the Mayors Air Quality Fund (MAQF) for which boroughs have to bid for. More information about this can be found on the Mayor of London's website (external link).

Year 2011 and Round two Mayor’s Air Quality Fund

In 2011 two lists were published of schools in London which were within 150m of roads carrying over 10,000 vehicles per day, and schools within 400m of roads carrying over 10,000 vehicles per day. In response to this, enabled by successful bids to the Mayor's Air Quality Fund (MAQF), the pollution team delivered air quality focussed projects at some schools in the borough.

These were:

• An Air Quality Apprentice in the Smarter Travel Team, partnered with the school travel plan officer promoting awareness of air pollution by delivering assemblies about air pollution, its impacts and the health benefits of walking, cycling or scooting to schools in Haringey. The apprentice will also undertake an NVQ in Customer Care
• Installation of green screens to the perimeters of school playgrounds to lessen the air pollution impact on pupils, improve the playground environment and raise awareness of air pollution
• Science based classroom lessons about air pollution plus a trip to the Urban Cities Sustainable Future exhibition. The Crystal Building features a range of issues, including air pollution and the urban environment
• Tri-borough Partnership - Air Quality School Engagement project - Finsbury Park/Manor House. In partnership with Hackney and Islington, an air quality awareness raising project was delivered to three schools in each borough. Pupils designed a walking zone map around their schools and culminated in a joint walking event to Islington Ecology centre and a tour of the Emirates stadium

Photo shows pupils from Stroud Green in their Haringey Walks Hats and bags!

August 2015 saw the second round of MAQF opened and following submission of a bid, Haringey was successful and awarded funding to deliver the ‘No 2 NO2’ programme. Under the ‘No 2 NO2’ programme are a variety of projects, including:

• Delivery of half day air pollution workshops to various service teams in the council, such as planning, public health and transport
• Parent Personal Travel Planning for parents of schools in the NO2 hotspot areas and personal travel planning for residents in these areas
• Setting up school walking zones for those schools that experience high car use and are in / adjacent NO2 affected areas. A walking zone aims to discourage cars in favour of travel by foot. Other benefits include:
  • Reduction in the number of cars at the school
  • Reduction of air pollution during peak times
  • Improvement in road safety,
  • Health benefits – such as reducing obesity, improve respiratory and heart function
• An air quality apprentice – continuation of this project
• Air quality business engagement project focussed in the Wood Green area, developing business focused action plans committing to improving local air quality thus providing a better environment for employees and visitors
• To deliver 3 Cycle Maintenance and training courses
• Joint health campaign with local GP surgeries, medical centres and pharmacies and public health team to inform about air pollution to vulnerable health groups
• In partnership with Barnet, Enfield and Waltham Forest a shared planning enforcement officer with specific remit to enforce the GLA SPG Control of Dust at Demolition and Construction sites and the Non-Road Mobile regulations at such sites

A report of the first round of MAQF funded projects is available here Year 1 Evaluation Report (PDF. 2MB)

More information about Haringey projects and others can be seen on the London Councils website - What Boroughs Are Doing to Tackle Air Pollution (external link).

Back to top

Round three Mayor’s Air Quality Fund

In June 2019 the successful Mayor’s Air Quality Fund (MAQF) bids in which Haringey are participating in include:

• Pan-London Idling Action project: a project to take action on idling (including enforcement), spanning 27 boroughs. Further information about the project can be found in the Vehicle Idling Action Page (external link)
• Pan-London NRMM Enforcement project: a pan-London project to inspect construction sites in every borough to ensure they are using the cleanest construction equipment
• Pan-London Healthy Streets Everyday: a project spanning 16 boroughs, which will deliver 250 car free and pedestrianisation initiatives or events over three years. More information is available on the Cross River Partnership - Healthy Streets Everyday website (external link)
• Low Emission Neighbourhood (LEN): Haringey Council was awarded funds for a Feasibility Study of LEN in Tottenham High Road /Seven Sisters as part of Round 3, to be carried out in 2019/20. The LEN will consist of an ambitious package of measures and produce quantifiable reductions in air pollution concentrations or emissions in the area

Back to top

Contact

Carbon Management Team (Pollution)
River Park House - 6th Floor North
225 High Road
Wood Green
N22 8HQ

Tel 020 8489 1335
Email pollution@haringey.gov.uk

Back to top