Celebrate Clean Air Day But Let’s Not Forget Launders Lane.

By Ruth Kettle-Frisby – Guest Writer and Community Activist

Ruth is passionate about fostering positive change within the local community and regularly contributes insights and stories to The Havering Daily.

On the 70th anniversary of the Clean Air Act, we are pleased to see that the London Mayor is celebrating Clean Air Day by continuing to act in the interest of children across inner and outer London by investing in clean air.

Toxic air is the most significant environmental threat to children’s health, and acting responsibly takes courage of conviction, especially given the politicised ire that’s been whipped up, which is largely based on misinformation.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is emitted via exhaust pipes and in much high levels from diesel engines – is associated with cardiovascular and respiratory disease; and particulate matter (PM2.5) – caused by things like wood-burning and tyre wear – is so tiny, it can enter every organ in the body, and even cross the blood-brain barrier.

The Mayor of London’s decision to expand the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) to outer boroughs like Havering ensured that our children didn’t miss out on the proven results for air quality in comparison to children living in central London. 

It’s easy to forget that driving is a privilege, not a right – with the poorest among us not being able to afford a car – and yet, the health crisis that toxic air represents has been weaponised and reframed, with health and wellbeing playing second fiddle to modern convenience.

Residents can be forgiven for this: not only is there little in the way of public information and awareness about clean air and health inequalities, the infrastructure for walking, wheeling and cycling required to help reduce the number of cars – especially for short journeys – remains woefully lacking in Havering.

We’ve become accustomed to cars dominating grey and polluted streets; for instance the 193 bus struggles valiantly to round ‘hail and ride’ corners that are chock-a-block with cars – and we don’t see the insidious damage that’s being accumulated in our children’s bodies over time.

Havering residents know very well from the illegal landfill site on Launders Lane dubbed ‘The Rainham Volcano’ that some children could be breathing far dirtier air than others. It’s also true that children with underlying respiratory conditions, disabilities and those from ethnically minoritised backgrounds are suffering the worst impacts of air pollution.

This £6m investment, coupled with new powers enabled by the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, marks a critical opportunity for Havering Council to work with key stakeholders including health experts, local schools, and environmental groups to address health inequalities for a cleaner, greener, safer Havering.

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