Air quality in Southwark Assessing the impact of poor air quality on our

residents’ health

Southwark’s Joint Strategic Needs Assessment

Health Improvement & Place

Southwark Public Health March 2018

Slide 2

Report title: Air Quality in Southwark

Status: Public

Prepared by: S Baird

Contributors: D Divajeva, B Legassick, S Unger, C Williamson, S

Newman, M Piasentin, T Weaver, S Robinson-Marshall

Approved by: Jin Lim

Suggested citation: Air Quality in Southwark. Southwark’s JSNA. Southwark

Council: London. 2017.

Contact details: publichealth@southwark.gov.uk

Date of publication: December 2017

GATEWAY INFORMATION

Health Needs Assessments form part of Southwark’s

Joint Strategic Needs Assessment process

BACKGROUND

The Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) is the ongoing process through

which we seek to identify the current and future health and wellbeing needs of our

local population.

The purpose of the JSNA is to inform and underpin the Joint Health and Wellbeing

Strategy and other local plans that seek to improve the health of our residents.

The JSNA is built from a range of resources that contribute to our understanding of

need. In Southwark we have structured these resources around 4 tiers:

This document forms part of those resources.

All our resources are available via: www.southwark.gov.uk/JSNA

Slide 3

APHR

JSNA Factsheets

Health Needs Assessments

Other Intelligence Sources

Tier I: The Annual Public Health Report provides an

overview of health and wellbeing in the borough.

Tier II: JSNA Factsheets provide a short overview of

health issues in the borough.

Tier III: Health Needs Assessments provide an in-

depth review of specific issues.

Tier IV: Other sources of intelligence include Local

Health Profiles and national Outcome Frameworks.

This Health Needs Assessment aims to develop a holistic

understanding of air quality and health in Southwark

AIM & SCOPE

The aim of this document is to develop a holistic understanding of air quality in the

borough and its impact on the health of local people.

This is a high level summary of air quality in Southwark, that is specific to human health,

and signposts further relevant information where possible.

The scope includes:

The legislation and policy context of air quality in relation to health

Outdoor air quality across the borough, specifically nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and

particulate matter (PM)*

This document will inform future local plans and any proposed actions to address

the health impact of air quality. It will identify gaps in provision and list areas for

improvement to reduce harm.

Indoor air quality, other air pollutants and environmental and other legislation are outside

the scope of this document.

Slide 4 *Only these pollutants are included in this work because these are the only pollutants with

national/international targets with which Southwark is non-compliant

Introduction

Policy Context

The Local Picture

The Local Response

Community & Stakeholder Views

Summary & Key Findings

Recommendations

CONTENTS

Slide 5

Air quality is a high priority due to its impact on a range

of policy areas, including health

INTRODUCTION

Air quality has become a high priority across the world

A wealth of new evidence in recent years has shown that poor air quality affects a

wide range of policy areas, including health, putting air quality on the agenda globally

The impact of air pollution on health costs* the UK more than £20bn every year1

This is just under 16% of the current annual NHS budget

Air pollution affects everyone who lives and works in London

The majority of pollutants within London are now at concentrations below national air

quality standards however, levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter

(PM10) continue to exceed these standards in some areas and locations

Tackling air quality contributes to a wide range of outcomes

Measures to improve air quality not only improve health and reduce health

inequalities, they also bring benefits for the economy, wider environment and assist

with climate change adaptation & mitigation

References

1. RCPCH. Every breath we take: the lifelong impact of air pollution 2016 Slide 6

*This includes costs to society and business, health services, illness and premature death

People’s health may be affected by poor air quality even

if they never experience any noticeable effects

INTRODUCTION

Exposure to poor air quality is associated

with both ill health and premature death1

Numerous studies, replicated across the

world, agree that breathing air of poor

quality impacts on people’s health

Air pollution can cause short-term symptoms

and long-term effects

Many people will not notice the effects of air

pollution on their health, however, long-term

exposure can contribute to the development

of chronic diseases and can increase the

risk of respiratory illness

Children, older people and those with heart

and respiratory conditions are most affected

and are considered vulnerable groups

Any improvement in air quality will have

positive health consequences, however, it is

recognised that there is no absolutely ‘safe’

level of particulates2

Slide 7

Death

Hospital admissions

Emergency department visits

Doctor visits

Asthma attacks, medication use, symptoms

Unnoticed physiological changes

References

1. WHO. Quantification of the Health Effects of Exposure to Air Pollution 2000

2. WHO. Review of evidence on health aspects of air pollution – REVIHAAP Project: technical report 2013

Pollutant Sources Health effects

Nitrogen dioxide

(NO2)

Road transport (especially diesel vehicle

emissions), domestic & commercial

boilers, power stations and industry

Lung irritation and damage

Particulate matter

(PM10 and PM2.5)

Road transport (mainly diesel vehicle

emissions and tyre & brake wear),

domestic & commercial boilers, power

stations, industry & construction

Increased chances of respiratory

disease, lung damage, cancer and

premature death

Air pollution is a mixture of particles and gases that can

have adverse effects on human health

INTRODUCTION

Slide 8

NO2 is a gas which is produced in combustion processes with other oxides of nitrogen (NOx)

Of all oxides of nitrogen, NO2 has the largest impact on health

NOx emissions are often used as a proxy for NO2 emissions

Particulate matter (PM) is a complex mixture of small particles

PM10 is the size of particle that is breathable and can lodge in the lungs

PM2.5 is the size of particle most evidently linked to poorer health outcomes – this is because it is

so small that it can pass through lungs into the bloodstream and on to any other part of the body

Some particles are long-lived in the atmosphere and can be transported great distances

References

1. Southwark Council. Air Quality Strategy & Action Plan 2017

Introduction

Policy Context

International; National; Regional; Local

The Local Picture

The Local Response

Community & Stakeholder Views

Summary & Key Findings

Recommendations

CONTENTS

Slide 9

There are legal limits for key pollutants that are regulated

by international and national legislation

POLICY CONTEXT

International

WHO guidelines1

- Designed to offer expert guidance of the health impacts of air pollution

EU Directive2

- Sets legally binding limits for key pollutants

National

Air Quality Standards Regulations3

- Puts the EU limits into national UK law (see table on next page)

- Determines how achievement of the objective values should be assessed

National Air Quality Strategy4

- A UK government policy framework identifying air quality standards and

objectives for key pollutants

References

1. WHO. Air quality guidelines: Global update 2005

2. EU. Directive 2008/50/EC: Cleaner air for Europe 2008

3. The Stationery Office Limited. Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010

4. Defra. The air quality strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 2007 Slide 10

Pollutant WHO guideline1 UK objective2 Concentration

measured as

Date to be achieved in the UK

(by and maintained thereafter)2

NO2

40 μg/m3 40 μg/m3 Annual mean 31 December 2005

200 μg/m3 200 μg/m3 not to be exceeded

more than 18 times a year 1-hour mean 31 December 2005

PM10

20 μg/m3 40 μg/m3 Annual mean 31 December 2004

50 μg/m3 50 μg/m3 not to be exceeded

more than 35 times a year 24-hour mean 31 December 2004

PM2.5

10 μg/m3 25 μg/m3

Annual mean

2020

N/A 15% reduction in concentrations

at urban background Between 2010 and 2020

25 μg/m3 N/A 24-hour mean N/A

UK legislation objectives are not always as low as WHO

guidelines

POLICY CONTEXT

References

1. WHO. Air quality guidelines: Global update 2005

2. Defra. National air quality objectives 2010 Slide 11

UK legislation for air pollution includes a number of objectives, taking into consideration the change of air pollution levels throughout the day

WHO stresses that the objectives cannot fully protect human health as there are no ‘safe’ levels of particulate air pollution

Pollution is a national public health priority which should

be supported by local areas

POLICY CONTEXT

National

Public Health Outcomes Framework1

- Sets out the vision for public health – it includes the desired outcomes and the

key indicators that help us understand how well public health is being improved

and protected, including the number of deaths attributable to air pollution

Annual Report of the Chief Medical Officer 20172

- A statutory report on the state of the public’s health, with this edition focusing on

the health impacts of all pollution on human health – it includes outdoor air

pollution as an example of where we must act to roll out and embed into routine

use actions that we know will improve health, and to evaluate and explore new

ways to act

- Sets out two recommendations for local authorities: 1) broaden current

environment strategies to be cognisant of all forms of pollution and to consider

risk at all levels of exposure; 2) consider at all stages of local authority planning

the potential impact of all relevant forms of pollution upon human health

References

1. PHE. Public Health Outcomes Framework Ongoing

2. CMO. Annual Report of the Chief Medical Officer 2017, Health Impacts of All Pollution – what do we know? Slide 12

Air quality is a priority for London and requires

commitment from local areas

POLICY CONTEXT

Regional

The London Plan1

- Air Quality is one of the six Mayoral objectives for London

Mayor’s Air Quality Strategy: ‘Clearing the Air’2

- Outlines measures aimed at enabling Greater London achieve the UK & EU

objective limit values for pollutants

Mayor’s Transport Strategy3

- Statutory document setting out Transport for London’s vision and how it will be

delivered

Draft Mayor’s Environment Strategy4

- Brings together approaches to every aspect of London’s environment

Slide 13

References

1. GLA. The London Plan: The spatial development strategy for London 2016

2. GLA. Clearing the air: The Mayor’s air quality strategy 2010 – to be updated in 2017

3. GLA. Draft Mayor’s Transport Strategy 2017

4. GLA. Draft London Environment Strategy 2017 – in consultation at the time of writing

Interventions to reduce air pollution are already in place

in London, and more are planned

POLICY CONTEXT

Regional

Congestion Charge (2003)*

- Charges motorists to drive into central London on weekdays

- Designed to encourage motorists to use other modes of transport

Low Emission Zone (2008)†

- Charges the most polluting heavy diesel vehicles to drive into Greater London

- Designed to encourage use of ‘cleaner’ vehicles

T-Charge (to be introduced in October 2017)

- Aims to discourage use of older, more polluting vehicles in central London (the first

step towards the introduction of the ULEZ)

Ultra Low Emission Zone (to be introduced in 2019/20)

- Will charge vehicles to drive into zone if they don’t meet the ULEZ exhaust emission

standards

- Initially planned to cover the Congestion Charge zone but may, as a result of the

consultation, be extended to the North and South Circular roads

Slide 14 * Congestion Charge zone covers central London and includes north west Southwark

† Low Emission Zone covers majority of Greater London and includes the whole of Southwark

Southwark has declared an Air Quality Management Area

and has updated its Air Quality Strategy and Action Plan

POLICY CONTEXT

Local

London Local Air Quality Management Framework

(LLAQMF)

- Local authorities have a statutory responsibility to

review & assess air quality on a regular basis

- Southwark is a Cleaner Air Borough – this does

not relate to pollution levels but acknowledges

that Southwark works effectively to improve local

air quality

- The GLA has designated seven Air Quality Focus

Areas in Southwark

Southwark Air Quality Strategy & Action Plan1

States Southwark’s intentions and planned actions to

work towards improving local air quality

Local Implementation Plan2

- Sets out how the borough will deliver the Mayor’s

Transport Strategy in their area

Slide 15

References

1. Southwark Council. Air Quality Strategy & Action Plan 2017

2. Available after the Mayor’s Transport Strategy which is currently in consultation

Air quality management areas in Southwark

Introduction

Policy Context

The Local Picture

Pollution levels

The Local Response

Community & Stakeholder Views

Summary & Key Findings

Recommendations

CONTENTS

Slide 16

Air pollution data show a decrease in total emissions for

nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) in

Southwark

NOx is the largest pollutant in Southwark with around 1,200

tonnes emitted in 2013 alone

This is over a quarter less than in 2008

Around 110 tonnes of PM10 were emitted in Southwark in

2013 – a decrease of a fifth since 2008

Around 56 tonnes of PM2.5 were emitted in 2013 – a

decrease of over a quarter since 2008

These reductions in air pollution have been achieved

through legislative standards and improved technology, as

well as London-wide and local initiatives

All emissions are predicted to continue decreasing until the

year 2020. After that it is difficult to predict due to, as yet

unplanned interventions and other actions both nationally

and locally.

Emissions of key air pollutants in Southwark are

decreasing and are projected to decrease still further

THE LOCAL PICTURE

Data source

GLA. London Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (LAEI) 2013 Slide 17

1,639 1,452

1,200

641 544 529

2008 2010 2013 2020 2025 2030

NO

x (

ton

ne

s/y

ea

r)

136 126

110 96 95 96

2008 2010 2013 2020 2025 2030

PM

10

(to

nn

es

/ye

ar)

77 69

56

42 40 41

2008 2010 2013 2020 2025 2030

PM

2.5

(to

nn

es

/ye

ar)

27%

19%

27%

Road transport is the main source of air pollution in

Southwark

THE LOCAL PICTURE

The largest source of air pollution in Southwark is road

transport, contributing to over half of the annual NOx and

PM emissions

Road transport is the main source of air pollution, accounting

for over half of NOx and PM emissions combined

Domestic and commercial fuels, which come mostly from

cooking and heating, are another significant pollutant,

accounting for about a third of annual NOx emissions

Physical disturbance of previously emitted and deposited

pollutants (resuspension) accounts for a quarter of all PM10

emissions; this type of pollution is heavily influenced by the

weather, however, reductions in emissions will reduce

deposits

Non-road mobile machinery is mostly used in construction,

such as bulldozers, pumps, industrial trucks, fork lifts, mobile

cranes and generators

‘Other’ sources of emissions include aviation, river, rail,

industry and dust from construction and demolition

Data source

GLA. London Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (LAEI) 2013 Slide 18

Total emissions by pollutant type

in Southwark in 2013

56% 31%

8% 5%

NOx

1,200 tonnes

50%

9%

25%

16%

PM10

110 tonnes 56%

11%

16%

17%

PM2.5

56 tonnes

Buses are the largest contributor to road transport

emissions in Southwark

THE LOCAL PICTURE

Of all road traffic in Southwark, buses emitted the largest

amount of air pollution in 2013

Buses and taxis account for nearly half of the 1,200 tonnes of

NOx emissions and around a fifth of PM emissions

Transport for London (TfL) buses contribute the most to this,

accounting for a third of total transport-related NOx emissions

Cars are another large source of road traffic emissions,

accounting for a quarter of NOx emissions and nearly half of all

PM emissions

Diesel cars account for twice the amount of NOx emissions

compared to petrol cars

Commercial vehicles contribute to a fifth of NOx emissions and

over a tenth of PM emissions

Vans & mini buses account for a tenth of NOx emissions and a

fifth of PM emissions

‘Other’ sources of road traffic emissions include electric vehicles

and motorcycles – these contributions are negligible compared to

the total

Slide 19 Data source

GLA. London Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (LAEI) 2013

Road traffic emissions by pollutant type

in Southwark in 2013

42%

26%

20%

11% 1%

NOx

680 tonnes

21%

47%

12%

18% 2%

PM10

55 tonnes

22%

45%

11%

20%

2%

PM2.5

32 tonnes

Trends over time show a downward trend in NO2 and PM emissions,

however there is a year-on-year variation

There are two NO2 and PM10 monitoring sites in Southwark: one at

Elephant and Castle, measuring background levels of pollution, and one

along Old Kent Road, measuring roadside levels

PM2.5 emissions in Southwark are modelled using overall PM trends

NO2 in Southwark is showing a gradual decrease towards the legal

objective

Concentrations of both PM2.5 and PM10 are showing a clearer downward

trend with both being well below the legal UK objective

Atmospheric pollutants remain above the WHO recommended levels1

While these downward trends are due, in part, to initiatives that have

been implemented, it is important to note that the concentrations of air

pollution presented here are also heavily influenced by weather and

movement of air from other countries or other parts of the region2

This means that emissions from Southwark are not the only contributor

to air pollution in the borough and that we cannot control all elements

causing poor air quality locally

Concentrations of key pollutants are decreasing in

Southwark but NO2 continues to be of concern

THE LOCAL PICTURE

Data source

1. Southwark monitoring sites (NO2 & PM10)

2. PHE profiles (PM2.5) Slide 20

Average annual concentration of

air pollution

54

46.5

40 µg/m3

2000 2005 2010 2015

NO

2 (

µg

/m3

)

30

23

40 μg/m3

20 μg/m3

2000 2005 2010 2015

PM

10

(µ

g/m

3)

14.1 10.9

25 μg/m3

10 μg/m3

2010 2015

PM

2.5

(µ

g/m

3)

Southwark UK legislation WHO guidance

References

1. WHO. Air quality guidelines: Global update 2005

2. DEFRA. Air Quality: A Briefing for Directors of Public Health 2017

Concentrations of NO2 and PM also vary across the borough

NO2 concentrations are above the legal objective limit in the north west of the borough (part of the

Congestion Charge zone) and well above the legal objective along most main roads

PM concentrations are generally low in Southwark, however PM10 exceeds the legal objective on

the main roads around Elephant & Castle

Air quality is broadly compliant in the south of the borough other than on some major routes

The highest concentrations of air pollution are in the

north west of the borough and along major roads

THE LOCAL PICTURE

References

1. GLA. London Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (LAEI) 2013 Slide 21

Maps of mean concentration levels of key pollutants across Southwark (2013)

While annual levels of PM10 are below national objectives,

this pollutant is still of concern

THE LOCAL PICTURE

Some main roads in the borough have high

levels of PM10 more often than is legally

permitted

The number of objectives in the legislation

for air pollution demonstrates that air

pollution levels vary throughout the day

Legal objectives state that PM10 must not

exceed 50 μg/m3 on more than 35 days

each year2 – Southwark is above this

objective around some of the main road

corridors in the Congestion Charge zone

During 2013 areas around Elephant and

Castle had high levels of PM10 for more than

60 days1

Slide 22

References

1. GLA. London Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (LAEI) 2013

2. Defra. National air quality objectives 2010

Nearly half of people in Southwark live in areas with NO2

levels above the legal objective

THE LOCAL PICTURE

Estimates show that 45% of people living in Southwark are

regularly exposed to high NO2 levels

Compared to other London boroughs, Southwark has one of

the highest proportions of residents living in areas of high

NO2

Air pollution is typically highest near to emission sources

- There are a number of arterial roads in Southwark,

many of which are key bus routes and thus key

locations for NO2 emissions

These roads include the roads around Borough, London

Bridge and the Elephant and Castle junction, as well as

Peckham High Street, Walworth Road, Camberwell Road

and Old Kent Road

Southwark residents living along or near to these roads are

regularly exposed to levels of NO2 higher than the national

standard

Poor air quality can contribute to local health inequalities as

there is a social gradient associated with housing on busy

main roads1

Data source

Borough Population - GLA Borough Projections Slide 23

Proportion of the population living in areas

with NO2 above the legal objective

45%

HaveringMertonEaling

Barking & DagenhamBexleyEnfieldHarrowSutton

CroydonGreenwich

BrentRedbridgeHounslow

BromleyHillingdon

BarnetWaltham Forest

Kingston upon ThamesLewishamHaringeyNewham

Richmond upon ThamesWandsworth

HackneyLambeth

Hammersmith & FulhamTower Hamlets

SouthwarkCamdenIslington

WestminsterKensington & Chelsea

City of London

References

1. DEFRA. Air Quality and Social Deprivation in the

UK: an environmental inequalities analysis 2006

NO2 concentrations in Southwark are projected to

decrease, with the ULEZ having an immediate impact

THE LOCAL PICTURE

NO2 levels in Southwark are projected to decrease

It is planned that from 2020 a new Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) will come into force in London

ULEZ will cover the current Congestion Charging zone, which includes the north west of Southwark, but may cover all areas within the North and South Circular roads, subject to further consultation by the London Mayor in 2017

It is projected that, with the implementation of the ULEZ, levels of NO2 will drop dramatically within the space of a year, from 33µg/m3 in 2019 to 23µg/m3 in 2020

These reductions are likely to have an immediate positive impact on the health of the population

Without implementation of the ULEZ, levels of NO2 would continue to decrease due to existing initiatives, but this would be at a much slower rate and would have a less immediate impact on health

Data source

Calculated from DEFRA’s Roadside NO2 Projection Factors Slide 24

Projections of annual mean roadside NO2

concentrations in Southwark

23 19

42

31

21

0

10

20

30

40

50

2015 2020 2025 2030

µg

/m3

With ULEZ Without ULEZ

Introduction

Policy Context

The Local Picture

Health impact

The Local Response

Community & Stakeholder Views

Summary & Key Findings

Recommendations

CONTENTS

Slide 25

0%

2%

4%

6%

8%

10%

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Southwark London England

There is a strong body of evidence showing that exposure to

high levels of air pollution can have a range of adverse health

effects

Air pollution can exacerbate respiratory conditions, such as

asthma and chronic respiratory disease, and increase the risk

of cardiovascular events like heart attacks and stroke

Long-term exposure can also increase the risk of premature

mortality and PM2.5 is thought to have an effect equivalent to

over 80 deaths per year in Southwark, comparable to the

number of deaths caused by lung cancer

The effect of PM2.5

on mortality is higher in

Southwark than in London

or England, but is on the

decrease

There is no other health

data available locally

Air pollution is a significant risk factor for mortality and

ill-health in Southwark

THE LOCAL PICTURE

Slide 26

Proportion of deaths linked to PM2.5

Data source

PHE Public Health Outcomes Framework 2015

Trend in proportion of deaths

linked to PM2.5

0% 5% 10%

City of LondonWestminster

Kensington and ChelseaIslington

Tower HamletsHackneyCamden

SouthwarkHammersmith and Fulham

NewhamLambeth

Waltham ForestHaringey

BrentRedbridge

WandsworthBarking and Dagenham

LewishamGreenwich

EalingBarnetEnfield

HounslowMertonBexley

HaveringRichmond upon Thames

Kingston upon ThamesCroydon

HillingdonHarrowSutton

Bromley

England

London

More than 1 in 4 people in Southwark are at an age that

makes them more vulnerable to poor air quality

THE LOCAL PICTURE

Children

There are 55,500 children in Southwark aged 0-14 and this is projected to increase to 62,000 by

the year 2026

Children are more vulnerable to air pollution because their lungs are still developing and, for their

size, they breathe more air each minute than an adult

There are relatively high numbers of children living in some of our air quality focus areas, namely

around Peckham, Old Kent Road and Camberwell Road

Older people

There are 25,000 older people in Southwark aged 65+ and this is projected to increase to 33,000

by the year 2026, an increase of a third

Older people are more vulnerable to air pollution because their lungs are less elastic and therefore

less able to filter out polluted air

Older people are also more likely to have a long term condition that can be exacerbated by air

pollution

While older people tend to live in less polluted areas of the borough, some do live on or close to

main roads and air quality focus areas, particularly around Elephant & Castle and Peckham

Slide 27

Data source

ONS mid-year population estimates 2016

ONS population projections 2016

Some of Southwark’s groups that are vulnerable to air

pollution live in and around air quality focus areas

THE LOCAL PICTURE

Slide 28 Data source

ONS mid-year population estimates 2015

Ch

ildre

n a

ged

0-1

5

Old

er

pe

op

le a

ged

65

+

Air quality focus areas also have high numbers of

population groups with generally poorer health outcomes

THE LOCAL PICTURE

Slide 29

Data source

1. ONS Census 2011

2. DCLG Indices of Deprivation 2015

Eth

nic

min

ori

ty g

rou

ps

De

pri

ved

co

mm

un

itie

s

1 in 25 people in Southwark have asthma, making them

more vulnerable to poor air quality

THE LOCAL PICTURE

Over 4% of people registered with a GP in

Southwark have diagnosed asthma

13,600 patients in Southwark have an

asthma diagnosis and 4,400 patients have a

diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary

disorder

People with long term conditions are

vulnerable to air pollution because their

conditions are likely to be exacerbated by

the air pollutants entering their bodies

We know which GP practices these people

are registered with but we don’t know where

they live, or if they are Southwark residents

Some of these people could also be in a

vulnerable age group

Slide 30 Data source

NHS Quality and Outcomes Framework 2015/16

Introduction

Policy Context

The Local Picture

The Local Response

Community & Stakeholder Views

Summary & Key Findings

Recommendations

CONTENTS

Slide 31

Air quality is a Council priority and is included in the New

Southwark Plan

THE LOCAL RESPONSE

At the time of writing a new development management policy on air quality is

under consultation as part of the emerging New Southwark Plan1 and Old Kent

Road Area Action Plan2

References

1. Southwark Council. New Southwark Plan Preferred Option 2017

2. Southwark Council. Old Kent Road Area Action Plan 2017

3. CMO. Annual Report of the Chief Medical Officer 2017, Health Impacts of All Pollution – what do we know? Slide 32

This policy outlines the requirements for

developers to meet air quality neutral standards,

contribute to air quality monitoring, reduce

human exposure and mitigate the effects of poor

external air quality on occupiers and users

through design solutions

This addresses the CMO recommendation3 to

consider the potential impact of air pollution at

all stages of local authority planning

A range of Council strategies addressing physical

activity and green space also address air quality

THE LOCAL RESPONSE

The range of Council documents that address air quality demonstrates Southwark’s holistic approach to the issue

Many Southwark initiatives to address air quality are synonymous with increasing physical activity and active travel:

- Active Travel JSNA: recommending work to increase active travel

- Cycling Strategy: making 10% of all journeys in the borough by bicycle

- Kerbside Strategy: reallocating road space to prioritise sustainable travel and make ‘necessary’ journeys greener

- Transport Plan: encourages the take up of sustainable travel and reduces reliance on private vehicles

- Open Space Strategy: providing open space and green chains, networks and corridors to improve air quality

Some initiatives address green infrastructure:

- Open Space Strategy: providing open space and green chains, networks and corridors to improve air quality

- Tree Management Strategy: acknowledges that trees are essential for improving air quality and how deficiencies will be addressed

These documents meet the CMO recommendation1 for environment strategies to be cognisant of air pollution while the Air Quality Strategy and Action Plan considers risk at varying levels of exposure to pollution

Slide 33 References

1. CMO. Annual Report of the Chief Medical Officer 2017, Health Impacts of All Pollution – what do we know?

Southwark’s Air Quality Action Plan requires input from a

range of policy areas

THE LOCAL RESPONSE

Southwark has an Air Quality Strategy and Action Plan1 with eight strategic aims:

Monitor and report on local air quality

Reduce emissions from buildings using the planning process and awareness raising

Increase public awareness through communications, campaigns and engagement

Reduce emissions from road traffic, particularly diesel vehicles

Reduce carbon emissions*, including for new developments, and ensuring energy

efficiency in Council properties

Regulate and control emissions from commercial and domestic sources

Support the GLA’s actions and policies, including extension of the ULEZ

Maintain air quality as a local public health priority

References

1. Southwark Council. Air Quality Strategy & Action Plan 2017 Slide 34

*carbon emission are produced by the same sources as the pollutants assessed in this document, therefore reducing carbon emissions will

have an effect on other key pollutants

A number of actions are included to support vulnerable

groups

THE LOCAL RESPONSE

Reducing school traffic

Encouraging children to walk or cycle to school by promoting school travel plans and

increasing the number of schools with TfL STARS accreditation

Improving air quality around schools by piloting School Streets and facilitating the

GLA’s Air Quality Audits in some of our primary schools

Providing advice to schools and nurseries and embedding air quality into the local

curriculum

Poor air quality alert cascade

Provides alerts about poor air quality to staff and contracted services, particularly

those in schools and care homes, so they can provide information and advice to

those with specific health issues that might put them more at risk

GP access to appropriate prompts, advice and information

To develop resources that enable GPs to provide vulnerable individuals with advice

on reducing personal exposure to air pollution

Slide 35

Actions meet many of the identified needs in Southwark

THE LOCAL RESPONSE

A number of actions in the Air Quality Action Plan address the main source of emissions – road transport

About a quarter of the actions in the AQAP aim to reduce emissions from road transport. While local actions cannot address the largest proportion of road transport emissions (TfL buses), these actions allow some level of local improvement.

Resuspension of dust particulates accounts for a quarter of PM10 emissions. Most dust in urban areas is generated by construction and waste management sites which Southwark is addressing through working with the Environment Agency and enforcing regulations and conditions on permits.

Actions to mitigate exposure of those in vulnerable groups

Poor air quality affects all, as do all improvements

Vulnerable individuals who sign up to AirText will receive air quality forecasts to help them better manage their condition or illness

Vulnerable groups cared for by the Council will find their carers receive poor air quality alerts and can modify their activities and care packages appropriately

Those with higher exposures who live close to main roads will benefit from all the actions being taken to reduce emissions from vehicles as set out in the Air Quality Action Plan

Slide 36

Southwark’s AQAP is realistic when considering ease of

delivery and magnitude of benefits

THE LOCAL RESPONSE

References

1. GLA. LLAQM Borough Air Quality Action Matrix

2. NICE. Air pollution: outdoor quality and health (NG70) 2017 Slide 37

Southwark’s AQAP aligns well to the

GLA’s Borough Air Quality Action

Matrix1 and NICE recommendations2

The AQAP includes many of the local

actions recommended by the GLA

and NICE

The GLA note that some actions are

easier to implement than others and

some yield more benefits than others

– this helps determine the priority

level of each action locally1

Southwark’s AQAP improves on action

plans prepared by other local

authorities

AQAPs from other authorities that are

considered to be leaders in the field

were considered as a baseline in

developing Southwark’s action plan

Easier but smaller benefits

Public health & awareness raising

Easier & larger benefits

Emissions from developments &

buildings

Less easy & smaller benefits

Delivery servicing & freight

Borough fleet actions

Less easy but larger benefits

Localised solutions

Cleaner transport

Introduction

Policy Context

The Local Picture

The Local Response

Community & Stakeholder Views

Summary & Key Findings

Recommendations

CONTENTS

Slide 38

Southwark’s Air Quality Strategy and Action Plan was

generally well received

COMMUNITY & STAKEHOLDER VIEWS

Southwark’s draft AQAP underwent both statutory and public consultation1 from December 2016 to January 2017

This process demonstrated that air quality is important to both residents and partners in Southwark, as well as confirming the need for certain messages through local campaigns and communications

To address issues raised during the consultation, a number of modifications and additions were made to the AQAP

Feedback on the draft AQAP was largely positive, but some felt we could do more

The GLA supported the level of Public Health involvement and commented on the comprehensive nature of air quality improvement actions proposed

The Environment Agency wanted to see more emphasis on spatial planning and regeneration, as well as addressing particle resuspension specifically

Both Better Bankside and Team London Bridge felt that there was insufficient air quality monitoring in the borough and a third continuous air quality monitoring station is now planned

All key stakeholders and delivery partners supported the actions listed in the AQAP, offering support and collaboration where needed

Slide 39 References

1. Southwark Council. Air quality strategy & action plan consultation responses 2017

Introduction

Policy Context

The Local Picture

The Local Response

Community & Stakeholder Views

Summary & Key Findings

Recommendations

CONTENTS

Slide 40

Southwark does not meet the legal objectives for air

pollution, but emissions are decreasing

SUMMARY & KEY FINDINGS

There are legal limits for key air pollutants that are regulated by European and national legislation. Southwark does not meet all the objectives for NO2 or PM10.

While these legal objectives exist, there are no absolutely safe levels of air pollution

Air pollution has a wide range of health effects that are particularly harmful to children, older people and those with existing long-term health conditions

Levels of NO2 and PM vary across the borough, with high levels in the north west and along main roads, and lower levels in the south

Emissions of NO2 and PM are decreasing in Southwark and are projected to decrease still further

The primary source of emissions is road transport, particularly TfL buses

Decreases in emissions are largely due to London-wide initiatives like the Low Emission Zone, the Congestion Charge zone, the ULEZ, and the introduction of cleaner, greener buses and electric/dual fuel taxis

Whilst locally we can have little influence over TfL buses, our local actions build on and support these wider regional initiatives by encouraging active travel and replacing diesel vehicle fleets

Slide 41

Exposure to air pollution is high in Southwark but there

is insufficient knowledge about its impact on health

SUMMARY & KEY FINDINGS

Almost half of people living in Southwark are regularly exposed to high NO2 levels

This is higher than most London boroughs and contributes to local health inequalities

With the implementation of existing and planned initiatives, particularly the ULEZ, NO2

levels in Southwark are projected to decrease – this will have a positive impact on health

A number of our residents in vulnerable groups live in and around our air quality focus

areas

While many initiatives aim to reduce emissions, helping local people to mitigate their

exposure to air pollution should also be key to our local actions

Mortality linked to air pollution is higher in Southwark than in London or England,

accounting for 6% of all deaths

There is no data available to assess the direct health impact of air pollution locally, but with

some of our vulnerable groups living around our air quality focus areas, evidence shows

that they will be disproportionately affected by poor air quality

Southwark’s AQAP includes actions to mitigate the health effects on vulnerable groups, but

these are limited

Slide 42

Air quality is a local priority and addressing it will have

significant co-benefits for the environment and health

SUMMARY & KEY FINDINGS

Improving local air quality is a Council priority in Southwark

Air quality is addressed in several Council strategies, including the New Southwark

Plan and Old Kent Road Area Action Plan

Southwark’s Air Quality Action Plan requires input from a range of policy areas

The listed actions in the AQAP meet many of the identified needs in Southwark but

more could be done with health and care providers to mitigate exposure and support

older people

Some of the actions in the AQAP are likely to have significant co-benefits

Measures that encourage people to use sustainable transport, such as walking and

cycling, also improve the environment and their personal health outcomes due to

increased physical activity

Slide 43

Introduction

Policy Context

The Local Picture

The Local Response

Community & Stakeholder Views

Summary & Key Findings

Recommendations

CONTENTS

Slide 44

Engaging and working with partners is vital to improving

air quality

RECOMMENDATIONS

Engage with NHS partners to help support vulnerable groups in mitigating their exposure to air pollution

Raise awareness in GPs and other health professionals to incorporate air quality into supported care plans

Lead: Public Health, Environmental Health and Clinical Commissioning Group

Continue to support health-related air quality grant applications

Provide local health and air quality monitoring data and information on the Council webpages

Identify projects suitable for air quality funding applications and apply where possible after reviewing the funding guidance

Lead: Public Health and Environmental Health

Continue to develop the air quality communications campaign

Spread messages to bust air quality myths

Further promote the use of AirText among our vulnerable groups

Maintain and strengthen the poor air quality alert cascade

Organise an air quality conference in Southwark

Lead: Environmental Health, External Affairs and Clinical Commissioning Group

Slide 45

We need to continue and build on the work that we are

already doing

RECOMMENDATIONS

Continue to advocate for wider, regional action to address air quality

Support wider initiatives and challenge proposals and decisions as appropriate

Lead: Environmental Health, Transport Policy, External Affairs and Clinical Commissioning Group

Build on existing Council work to further address air quality locally

Explore possibilities for more extensive wet road cleaning techniques to reduce re-suspension in the borough

Lead: Environmental Health and Street Cleaning

Continue to develop and adopt robust planning policies that require high standards from new development proposals, particularly in identified areas such as Opportunity Areas or Air Quality Focus Areas

Lead: Planning

Maintain our multi-agency approach to air quality

Air quality will continue to be addressed and monitored through a range of actions and strategies across the Council and its partners

Continue to review and update the AQAP as objectives are achieved and as new evidence emerges

Lead: Environmental Health

Slide 46

More information is needed to truly understand the

health effects of poor air quality locally

RECOMMENDATIONS

Work with local research partners to get a better picture of the health effects of air quality in Southwark

Identify and engage local research partners who could assist us in investigating air quality and health locally

Identify potential sources of data that could contribute to modelling the health effects of air pollution in Southwark

Lead: Environmental Health and Public Health

Commission an air quality study for the Old Kent Road Opportunity Area

Model pollutant dispersion to inform the design of housing and infrastructure development proposals in the Opportunity Area and identify necessary measures and best practice to reducing exposure to, and mitigating the impacts of poor air quality

Use the study to inform and support the air quality policy in the Old Kent Road Area Action Plan

Lead: Planning

Slide 47

Actions to address outdoor air quality also address other

key health issues

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

Air quality improvement measures positively contribute to over a third of the

Public Health Outcomes Framework indicators1

Generally reducing emissions contributes to improving health, increasing healthy life

expectancy and reducing early death from cardio-respiratory diseases

Reducing traffic reduces the risk of injury and death from road traffic collisions

Creating environments that are more pleasant for walking and cycling reduces traffic

and increases physical activity levels, improves mental health and wellbeing and

resilience to climate change

Green infrastructure helps to absorb air pollution while giving people the opportunity

to get outside, be physically active and improve mental health and wellbeing

Improving the energy efficiency of homes reduces fuel bills and therefore fuel poverty

References

1. GLA. Air quality in Southwark: A guide for public health professionals Slide 48

No other area of intervention could impact on

so many key aspects of population health

Sources: GLA, London Atmospheric Emissions Inventory 2013; DEFRA, Air Quality: A Briefing for Directors of Public Health 2017; COMEAP, Long-term exposure to air pollution: effect on mortality

2009; ONS, Mid-year population estimates 2016; DCLG, English indices of deprivation 2015; ONS, Annual Population Survey; DfE, School Census 2017.

Who is at risk in Southwark Air pollution has a negative impact on everyone but a disproportionate

impact on vulnerable groups, including children, older people and those

with long-term conditions.

Air pollution trends in Southwark UK legislation and WHO guidance provide limits, above which air

pollution is likely to harm human health. However, there are no

absolutely safe levels of PM and evidence suggests that health

effects can still occur well below these limits.

55,500 children aged 0-

14 live in Southwark and this

is projected to increase to

62,000 by 2026

A number of people in Southwark

who are more vulnerable to air

pollution live in and around air

quality focus areas

13,600 patients in

Southwark have an asthma

diagnosis

By the year 2026 the number of

residents aged 65+ is predicted

to reach 33,000: an increase of

32% compared to 2016

NOx and PM concentrations in Southwark have reduced since 2000,

however NOx concentrations are still above UK legal limits and PM

concentrations are above WHO guidance.

Sources of air pollution and emissions Health impact of air pollution

Road transport is the main

source of air pollution in

Southwark

Non-road mobile machinery,

such as industrial trucks,

cranes and generators

Domestic & commercial fuels,

mostly from cooking and

heating

High levels of PM

and NOx pollution

irritate eyes, nose

and throat

Particulate air pollution is thought to have an effect equivalent to over

80 deaths per year in Southwark.

Increases the risk of

lung cancer and

reduced lung function

long-term; exacerbates

existing respiratory

conditions

Affects the brain and the

central nervous system

causing strokes

Both causes and

exacerbates existing

heart disease by

hardening the

arteries

A total of 1,300 tonnes of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and

particular matter (PM) were emitted in Southwark in 2013.

Air pollution in Southwark: a summary Air pollution is the biggest environmental risk factor for premature death. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter

(PM) are the two air pollutant types which are known to have a detrimental effect on human health.

Find out more at

southwark.gov.uk/JSNA

People & Health Intelligence Section

Southwark Public Health