‘Motor vehicles caused an estimated 264 deaths in Camden over a one-year period’

• I SUPPORT Camden Council’s commendable work throughout the borough to reduce air pollution, encourage walking and cycling, introduce a healthy school streets policy, and improve pedestrian safety.

I believe the introduction of a low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) in Dartmouth Park would improve the quality of life for all residents in the area who are exposed to very high levels of nitrogen dioxide, pm2 and pm10 particulates.

These levels are in excess of World Health Organisation guidelines and are particularly dangerous to both young and older residents and are associated with asthma and respiratory diseases.

Motor vehicles are the main cause of this pollution and indeed caused an estimated 9,400 deaths in London and 264 in Camden over a one-year period.

It was particularly gratifying to hear that the council are committed to withdrawing pavement parking to the roads where it is currently allowed.

Pedestrian access to the footway in Chetwynd Road and Spencer Rise is restricted by parked cars for no other reason than to facilitate the excess traffic that uses these roads.

This has caused specific problems for those using wheelchairs and child buggies and is not acceptable. I realise that these developments are not popular with all residents.

However air pollution is a serious public health issue which only the introduction of LTNs and the extension of the ULEZ, ultra low emission zone, can address in the short term.

These changes will also help the council to meet their commitments to addressing climate change which is now an emergency.

Older residents of Dartmouth Park, who are perhaps not as receptive to change as they might once have been, may recall the Clean Air Act of 1956 passed in response to the smog of 1952 which caused an estimated 12,000 deaths.

Although vehicle emissions are not visible in the same way, they are just as lethal and are contributing to a serious environmental disaster.

I’m sure the council will consult fully and trial any changes properly before considering the introduction of an LTN.

PAUL IRVING
Chetwynd Road, NW5