Substantial Increase In Nitrogen Dioxide Levels In Kensington & Chelsea

1.00.00pm GMT Mon 22nd Mar 2004

New figures obtained by Liberal Democrat London Mayoral candidate Simon Hughes show that nitrogen dioxide in the air in Kensington & Chelsea has risen to levels far above the Government's target under the Air Quality Strategy.

A site in Abingdon Ward in Kensington & Chelsea, which runs between Kensington High Street and Cromwell Road and borders Queens Gate, has seen increased nitrogen dioxide levels of almost 20% between 2002 and 2003.

A second site in St. Charles Ward, north of the Westway, has also seen increased levels - this time a 12.5% rise.

Kensington has been affected by rise of Nitrogen Dioxide in the Air

And a final site, this time on the Cromwell Road, may have only seen a rise of 5.6 percent, but the total levels of nitrogen dioxide in this area are now 76 micrograms per metrecubed - a full 37 ìg/m³ above the Government's target of 40 ìg/m³ for the yearly average.

Reacting to the figures, Councillor Jennifer Kingsley responded: "The current mayor has failed to put the environment on his list of priorities. What can be more basic to our quality of life as a Borough than the very air that we breathe?

"I am very grateful to Simon for the release of these figures. Nitrogen Dioxide causes acid rain, produces low-level ozone, irritates the respiratory tract, impairs lung function and particularly affects people with asthma.

"Simon has indicated that as Mayor, he would work hard to improve air quality across all of London and my local party support him fully in this goal. It's high time we had a mayor who realised that a clean environment is key to a successful London. Only the Liberal Democrats can offer a joined-up policy on the environment."