Reducing care use is seen as the primary way to improve Barnet’s air quality, reports Simon Allin, Local Democracy Reporter

Idling by car drivers is a significant cause of air pollution (credit Matthew Paul Argall)

Barnet Council has launched a public consultation on plans to cut pollution and boost the borough’s air quality.

The town hall’s latest air quality action plan sets out measures to reduce car use and encourage people to switch to healthier modes of travel such as walking and cycling.

It includes proposals to develop a programme of cycle lanes across the borough, create new bus lanes and improve the pedestrian environment to encourage walking.

The action plan states that road transport is the most significant contributor to air pollution in Barnet, accounting for 65% of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide emissions, 35% of large particulate matter (PM10) emissions and 41% of smaller particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions.

According to the report, the annual mean nitrogen dioxide objective is exceeded at strategic roads and A-roads in Barnet, and the borough is also exceeding World Health Organisation guidelines on particulate matter.

Council leader Barry Rawlings has ruled out introducing low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) – areas that are closed to through-traffic using cameras and bollards – unless they have the backing of a majority of local residents.

Although LTNs do not feature in the action plan, there are proposals to consider low-emission neighbourhoods, which can include measures to make it easier for people to move around by bike or on foot.

The action plan also proposes initiatives such as ‘school streets’ – which involve closing roads near schools to traffic at pick-up and drop-off times – and “anti-idling” measures to encourage drivers to switch off their engines while stationary.

Another key focus of the action plan is reducing emissions from buildings, including a scheme to retrofit existing workplaces, homes and other public buildings to boost their energy efficiency.

For more details on the public consultation:
Visit https://engage.barnet.gov.uk/air-quality-action-plan-2023-2028-consultation

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