Putney High Street, once the most polluted road in Europe has had a drastic and expensive reform. In 2017 the EU annual pollution limit was exceeded by the street in just five days. But how can a renown family town with the cheapest council tax in the country have such a busy high street? Putney bridge and therefore the High Street leading to it is a major access point into central London, leading to Chelsea and Kensington, consequently attracting mass traffic. Wandsworth Council have lobbied tirelessly for Sadiq Khan to reform and improve the 100 TFL busses that drive through the high street each hour and have enforced many other drastic measures.
In 2012, Putney High Street breached the EU hourly NO2 limit - that came into force two years prior – 1,726 times (the permitted amount of breaches is 18). NO2 reduces lung function and increases respiratory problems, so is a considerable threat to the health of Putney citizens. In 2017, the limit was only breached 8 times which means that the high street experienced a 99% decrease in breaches and also complied with EU terms. Wandsworth Council argue that this dramatic cutback in air pollution is due to the extensive lobbying by Wandsworth Council towards TFL to introduce a ‘low-emission bus’ area, as busses were accountable for 80% of the previous pollution.
Many other measures have been put in place including: a ban on daytime deliveries, fixed penalty charges for drivers that refuse to turn their engines off whilst parked and an environmental theatre production touring Wandsworth borough schools. The council has also secured the highest car club membership in London after a massive push encouraging its citizens to join, which has removed numerous old and higher polluting cars off the road.
Despite having arguably limited funding due to the borough having the lowest council tax in the country, the council has made incomparable headway in securing a greener and safer environment in their area, however, the fight isn’t over. Wandsworth Council is currently lobbying for low-emission busses in the entirety of its borough for cleaner air for all.
