On Thursday 15th of June, Islington Councillors joined in to mark the UK’s first ever National Clean Air Day outside the Town Hall.
National Clean Air Day, which is being co-ordinated by Global Action Plan, is a chance for people across the country to work together towards cleaner air for everyone. On this day, people are encouraged to make a pledge to help make cleaner air possible for all.
Islington Labour run Council has already for many years been working towards better air quality, from introducing a diesel surcharge on parking permits and the first ever borough-wide 20mph speed limit, supporting businesses to reduce emissions and taking action on engine idling.
Islington Council has also called on the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan to ban diesel vehicles from the capital by 2025 during the Mayor’s latest consultation on air quality this year.
Today on National Clean Air Day Islington Council has launched a new anti-idling campaign for ambulance drivers by putting up information stalls outside Archway Station and Whittington Hospital to inform commuters, patients, visitors and staff on the risks and effects of air pollution and ways to avoid it. The council’s Archway Zero Emissions Network team will be offering free coffee, pizza and advice to local workers and residents too. We also have electric scooters and cargo cycles available for local businesses to try out, in the aim to further cutting down on emissions from deliveries.
We are also recommending that everyone signs up to Islington’s airTEXT service. This free service provides air quality, UV, pollen and temperature forecasts for the borough.
To build on the council’s implemented measures on air quality, we are encouraging ordinary residents to get involved with activities on National Clean Air Day.
There are many simple things that we can do to help make Islington cleaner, healthier and greener for us all – especially our children.
Make a pledge on National Clean Air Day to:
– Leave your car at home
– Switch off your engine whenever you can
– Walk your children to school
– Share tips to cut air pollution with others
Cllr Claudia Webbe, Executive Member for Environment and Transport, Islington Council, said of Islington marking National Clean Air Day:
“In Islington we understand that tackling air pollution, is not just a public health campaign, it’s a social justice campaign because poorer residents live closer to the most polluting roads. We need residents to fight with us for cleaner air for everyone and I am proud that Islington Council is able to take a leading role on National Clean Air Day to show that we are standing up for the many”
Will you help Islington and be part of the UK’s first ever National Clean Air Day?
Find out more here: https://www.cleanairday.org.uk/
You can also pick up information at the Town Hall on Upper Street or at the Customer Service Centre at 222 Upper Street on National Clean Air Day, 15th of June.
Pictured – Islington Labour councillors mark National Clean Air Day outside the Town Hall