Environment, transport and clean air
Have your say on the proposed spending plans for the environment, transport and clean air in this year's Budget 2020-21.
The environment is a priority area for you, ranked as the 4th highest area for improvement. Clean air is your biggest concern, with two thirds of you dissatisfied with air quality (67%). Your next biggest concern is the provision of low carbon and renewable energy sources, followed by reducing waste and increasing recycling.
In the Priorities for Londoners survey, you ranked transport as London's third highest performing area overall, behind culture and sport and inclusivity. 44% of you are satisfied with the city’s transport offer. You are most satisfied with the frequency, safety and reliability of public transport; meanwhile, affordability and the provision of greener public transport are your two biggest areas for improvement.
Over the last three years:
- The Mayor has frozen Transport for London (TfL) fares for the fourth year running, and introduced the unlimited Hopper bus fare
- The ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) has been introduced, with the aim of reducing air pollution and congestion in central London. The first stage of the ULEZ is already having real impacts on air quality, with roadside nitrogen dioxide pollution reducing by around a third in the central London zone
The discussion ran from 07 January 2020 - 24 February 2020
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Community Member 4 years agoThe more traffic is at a standstill the worst pollution is. Traffic flow is critical to reducing the poor quality of the air we breathe. Therefore spending on the ULEZ zone should also include a radical review of how often traffic is...
Show full commentThe more traffic is at a standstill the worst pollution is. Traffic flow is critical to reducing the poor quality of the air we breathe. Therefore spending on the ULEZ zone should also include a radical review of how often traffic is stopped at lights and for how long. If flow was improved, and there was less stationary traffic this would prevent build up in local traffic hotspots and would mean that journeys were shortened so people would be on the roads in vehicles for less time.
Show less of commentrobbiek
Community Member 4 years agoHi,
Re : Ensure London, as the world’s first National Park City, is greener in 2050 than it is today, including investing in improving green space, greening the built environment and planting more trees to increase tree cover ..
THIS...
Show full commentHi,
Re : Ensure London, as the world’s first National Park City, is greener in 2050 than it is today, including investing in improving green space, greening the built environment and planting more trees to increase tree cover ..
THIS IS NOT BEING DONE BY WANDSWORTH COUNCIL & DISGRACEFUL BUILDERS TAYLOR WIMPEY
ON THE NEW PLANS FOR CONCRETING OVER OUR PARK OF YORK GARDENS , SW11.
THEY REFUSE TO LISTEN TO LOCAL RESIDENTS .. DESPITE WRITING ''SHAPED BY YOU'' (RESIDENTS)
ON THEIR WEBSIDE - http://www.winstanleyyorkroad.co.uk/
THEY REFUSE TO ACT ON MORE THAN 650 SIGNATURES ON
https://www.change.org/p/save-york-gardens
IF THEY HAVE THEIR WAY .. OUR CHILDREN WON'T SEE ANY NEW PARK. THE GREEN & MANY MATURE TREES
WILL BE DESTROYED .. AND IT WOULD BE ABOUT 12 YEARS BEFORE A NEW ONE IS THERE & MATURED GREEN.
PLEASE STOP THIS DESTRUCTION OF OUR YORK GARDENS .. ?
Lewis White
Community Member 4 years agoAir quality -- Incinerators
We rightly hear a lot about car emissions, but far too little about the pollution from incinerators such as the recently built Beddington incinerator.
The stench of burning plastic in the area--even in central...
Show full commentAir quality -- Incinerators
We rightly hear a lot about car emissions, but far too little about the pollution from incinerators such as the recently built Beddington incinerator.
The stench of burning plastic in the area--even in central Croydon ( around 2 miles away) comes entirely from this outrageous NEW construction.
I want to really see the GLA taking action to get rid of incinerators, progressively with oldest first, over the next 20 years, starting NOW
The health of Londoners is being affected --and it is the young Londoner whose lives are being reduced in length, and health is reduced / undermined by official inaction on this.
Is the GLA sitting back and casting a blind eye -- pretending that Incinerators are not a major cause of air pollution? It seems so.
Real action needs to be taken to phase the incinerators out.
NBB-Hackney
Community Member 4 years agoGood point.
Anonymous - account deleted
Community Member 4 years agoHaving less cars and cars that pollute less is a must in all areas in London not just central London.
I live in Stratford and the traffic here is very intense, made of old cars that normally carry only one passenger.
NBB-Hackney
Community Member 4 years agoYes, true. We need to go car-free to make livable and community-oriented public spaces, which have clean air and allow for walking and cycling.
cardriver
Community Member 4 years agoMy concern is air quality there are so many cars on the road that it is not healthy. Furthermore the air quality is not helped as the council insists on cutting down the trees lining our road for no apparent reason - and these trees are...
Show full commentMy concern is air quality there are so many cars on the road that it is not healthy. Furthermore the air quality is not helped as the council insists on cutting down the trees lining our road for no apparent reason - and these trees are not replaced. Due to the overcrowding in the poorer parts of our town (as the council keeps building new housing in these areas) they have cars (sometimes 2) and there is no where to park them - the congestion is rife and hence the air pollution. So please can we have fewer cars and new housing builds in poorer areas and more trees/flowers/plants to offset the pollution.
Show less of commentNBB-Hackney
Community Member 4 years agoYes, new builds should not give permits for cars (or very limited ones).
It's time to go car-free to allow cheaper travel by bicycle, safely, and walking, even medium distances across London. All non-essential cars must be banned.
Trees...
Show full commentYes, new builds should not give permits for cars (or very limited ones).
It's time to go car-free to allow cheaper travel by bicycle, safely, and walking, even medium distances across London. All non-essential cars must be banned.
Trees and greenery is great but won't stop toxic air. Bannings non-essential cars will stop that.
Show less of commentCameronConant
Community Member 4 years ago2030 is the year London needs to be carbon-neutral, and I'm pleased to see the Mayor suggest that, if re-elected, this more ambitious target will be adopted. I also support virtually anything that will clean up London's air given the...
Show full comment2030 is the year London needs to be carbon-neutral, and I'm pleased to see the Mayor suggest that, if re-elected, this more ambitious target will be adopted. I also support virtually anything that will clean up London's air given the unacceptable levels of toxic fumes that too often make London unpleasant and dangerous, especially for children. I'd also like to note that even with the electrification of vehicles, and the greening of our power grid, London needs to drastically reduce the number of cars currently in operation in the city. I'd like to see the Mayor begin to remove every third car-parking space in order to make it increasingly difficult to park in London so that we can create a more green, pedestrian-friendly city that features fewer cars in total and drastically lower emissions, with better air to breathe for all Londoners, especially for those who live on busy roads. Pollution disproportionally impacts poorer families and children, so this is also a social justice issue for our city. And finally, London needs to aggressively spend on segregated cycle lanes and overall cycling infrastructure which makes cycling easy for people of all levels, ages and abilities; if we can dramatically increase the number of people who feel safe cycling in London, the quality of life for Londoners will go way up.
NBB-Hackney
Community Member 4 years agoYes, Oslo has started removing car parking spaces, to make way for bikes. But ultimately we need to go car-free, to ban non-essential cars. Segregated bike lanes takes money and time. If we banned non-essential cars by 2022, then people...
Show full commentYes, Oslo has started removing car parking spaces, to make way for bikes. But ultimately we need to go car-free, to ban non-essential cars. Segregated bike lanes takes money and time. If we banned non-essential cars by 2022, then people would cycle safely across London. Public transport would be quicker - and more money raised for TFL. We need radical solutions now - albeit common-sense ones which already exist in Oslo, Madrid, York (in 2023) etc...
Show less of commentewc
Community Member 4 years agoFinal point. I tried to persuade tfl / London transport to allow me to trial a green roof on a bus stop. I was refused. This should be looked into as each bus stop could offer a couple of yards of green space. Other cities do this.
Greg becker
Community Member 4 years agoGreat idea!
E12
Community Member 4 years agoFor further information regarding regulations please refer to 'Guidance on the permeable surfacing of front gardens' September 2008 published by Communities and Local Government and the Environment Agency. It's unlikely that regulations can...
Show full commentFor further information regarding regulations please refer to 'Guidance on the permeable surfacing of front gardens' September 2008 published by Communities and Local Government and the Environment Agency. It's unlikely that regulations can be enforced retrospectively. All councils should be able to ensure they are followed on front gardens since 2008.
Show less of commentewc
Community Member 4 years agoWhen paving ensure permeable surfaces are used and enforce the law on permeable front gardens. Too many people are still paving them in concrete.
Ensure the the street trees are planted with water needs, pollution cleansingand support for...
Show full commentWhen paving ensure permeable surfaces are used and enforce the law on permeable front gardens. Too many people are still paving them in concrete.
Ensure the the street trees are planted with water needs, pollution cleansingand support for invertebrates as highest priorities, and try to provide green corridors so that wildlife can travel.
And ensure that all planning applications reflect these items as again they often ignored.
Show less of commentGreg becker
Community Member 4 years agoGood point about permeable surfaces, lots of new drives don't have them or even a drainage strip. Is this legal?
Greensalon
Community Member 4 years agoWe need a more ambitious target than 2050 to go net zero. You as Mayor need to be taking a more ambitious and pioneering approach to this. We do not have the time to wait, and you could and should take the lead on this, as people are now...
Show full commentWe need a more ambitious target than 2050 to go net zero. You as Mayor need to be taking a more ambitious and pioneering approach to this. We do not have the time to wait, and you could and should take the lead on this, as people are now really ready to listen.
What about the idea of setting up a London Citizen's Assembly so that we can have a capital-wide debate on how best to drive this forward?
HackneyLover
Community Member 4 years ago2050 is not ambitious enough to become Zero carbon and Zero waste. We need radical action now and to lobby for radical action to be enshrined in UK law.
The poster campaign by TfL encouraging people to minimize their car journeys is...
Show full comment2050 is not ambitious enough to become Zero carbon and Zero waste. We need radical action now and to lobby for radical action to be enshrined in UK law.
The poster campaign by TfL encouraging people to minimize their car journeys is welcome but we need to be much more proactive in getting the message out. Develop a programme that goes into every primary school in the capital to explain to kids why their parents shouldn't drive. Get the small people questioning their parents' driving habits!
Anonymous - account deleted
Community Member 4 years agoAnother waste of heat/gas is outdoor 'patio' heaters at pubs and cafes for those who smoke..
According to experts, a single heater releases more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year than the average fuel-hungry "Chelsea tractor" -...
Show full commentAnother waste of heat/gas is outdoor 'patio' heaters at pubs and cafes for those who smoke..
According to experts, a single heater releases more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year than the average fuel-hungry "Chelsea tractor" - a large 4x4 car. They estimate the additional patio heaters bought by pubs last year could produce up to 330,000 additional tons of carbon dioxide.
Show less of commentewc
Community Member 4 years agoAgree. We don't need to sit outdoors in the cold. Is it possible to ban them?
Greg becker
Community Member 4 years agoVery good point.
E12
Community Member 4 years agoGreen-up your front gardens. It's such a shame that gardens have been concreted over with the lost opportunity of planting oxygenating plants that provide habitats for wildlife such as insects and birds. Your pet cats and dogs will also...
Show full commentGreen-up your front gardens. It's such a shame that gardens have been concreted over with the lost opportunity of planting oxygenating plants that provide habitats for wildlife such as insects and birds. Your pet cats and dogs will also love to shelter from the hot summer sun in the shade of leafy bushes. Mayor of London could advertise these benefits on the extensive TfL network. You can't always get your council to do much so do what you can yourself. If you can't get rid of that heat-retaining concrete plant some containers. Also mitigates the temperatures around your homes.
Show less of commentewc
Community Member 4 years ago2008 a law came into effect that it was illegal to concrete front gardens from then, it is ignored by every council.
London5010
Community Member 4 years agoWhile the ULEZ is good in order to help reduce co2 emissions throughout London there needs to be support for the families who cannot afford to buy another car.
Paying for the privilege to be able drive into central London and within the...
Show full commentWhile the ULEZ is good in order to help reduce co2 emissions throughout London there needs to be support for the families who cannot afford to buy another car.
Paying for the privilege to be able drive into central London and within the North/South circular is clearly another tax which only affects the poor and low income families throughout London.
I managed to save and purchase a vehicle 5 years ago which will now be subject to the upcoming changes to the ULEZ from 2021. Myself and many others simply cannot afford to take on another £2-300 a month in order to purchase another compliant vehicle. Especially in some as in some families there is only one income due to parental responsibilities.
Using public transport is unaffordable, trains fairs are extortionate and unreliable. Tube fairs for a whole family of three for a day would cost approximately £25 per day, far exceeding the cost of car ownership and what is achievable on a below average wage.
These changes clearly not taken into account the ongoing cost to burden that this will inflict on working families. This from a mayor which represents a party who claim to be there for the working people.
To expect families adversely affected by the upcoming changes to just rely solely on public transport, is a clear indication that the government policy is out of touch with reality and how a modern family dynamic works.
If the Mayor of London truly wants to reduce deaths related to vehicle emissions and car usage within London, introduce a blanket ban on vehicles, this way one cannot use their privilege or financial position to gain and advantage over someone who is less fortunate. This will not happen as the ULEZ is a stealth tax. Used in conjunction with the latest public fears in order to push through revenue grabbing ideas,I can't believe people allow this to happen, it's embarrassing.
Show less of commentGreg becker
Community Member 4 years agoI think you highlight some very difficult problems when it comes to using taxes to protect our environment and the health of people who live and work in London. We need to dramatically reduce the cost of public transport and offer financial...
Show full commentI think you highlight some very difficult problems when it comes to using taxes to protect our environment and the health of people who live and work in London. We need to dramatically reduce the cost of public transport and offer financial support to city residence effected by congestion /low pollution charging to help them buy less polluting vehicles.
NBB-Hackney
Community Member 4 years agoTrue. European capitals are experimenting with very low prices on public transport, such as 1 euro per day.
London needs to follow suit. An annual travel pass for 365 pounds.
Ban all non-essential cars by 2022. Earn more as people turn to...
Show full commentTrue. European capitals are experimenting with very low prices on public transport, such as 1 euro per day.
London needs to follow suit. An annual travel pass for 365 pounds.
Ban all non-essential cars by 2022. Earn more as people turn to public transport. Clean air as people turn to bikes and walking. Win-win-win.
Show less of commentDMichael
Community Member 4 years agoMany shops and cafes are so hot that they are like furnaces this winter. It is unnecessary, particularly as most customers go to the shops wearing a coat. Many premises have that hot air blast over the doorway, and a HUGE open doorway and...
Show full commentMany shops and cafes are so hot that they are like furnaces this winter. It is unnecessary, particularly as most customers go to the shops wearing a coat. Many premises have that hot air blast over the doorway, and a HUGE open doorway and probably most of the heat is escaping.
Please could you bring in legislation to cool them all down, all across London. We could reduce London's carbon footprint significantly by this simple legislation. Down to 18 degrees? 20 degrees max?
In the winter, it should feel a bit like winter, not like Costa del Sol in August.
PS: trees, green roofs, electric points, clean buses, cycle routes, electric scooters all great too!
Show less of commentAnonymous - account deleted
Community Member 4 years agoThis policy impacts adversely upon working-class citizens who gain no financial or material compensation from the automotive industry or the GLA; contrasted with the enormous monetary compensation to fleet owners and those in the taxi and...
Show full commentThis policy impacts adversely upon working-class citizens who gain no financial or material compensation from the automotive industry or the GLA; contrasted with the enormous monetary compensation to fleet owners and those in the taxi and mini-cab industry.
Many recently retired Londoners will be impacted who have rewarded a lifetime's work with the acquisition of a modern Euro5 diesel vehicle only to be told their car must be disposed of prior to October 2021, involving a financial loss of many thousands of Pounds all for the cost of HALF a gram of carbon (soot) per kilometre driven!!!!
Not even FORD (UK) will respond to worried owners' letters and emails: this is a scandal!
Anonymous - account deleted
Community Member 4 years agoI feel strongly that increasing the tree count and the number of electric vehicle chargers must be priorities in London. I see people in the comments pushing for trees on every street which I totally agree with. The aesthetic and mental...
Show full commentI feel strongly that increasing the tree count and the number of electric vehicle chargers must be priorities in London. I see people in the comments pushing for trees on every street which I totally agree with. The aesthetic and mental benefits that trees offer to the public is very important to me.
Show less of commentGreg becker
Community Member 4 years agoWell said, I hope the mayor is listening, lots more trees please!
tan14son
Community Member 4 years agoThere should be a tube extension to Camberwell/Old Kent Road and across other parts of South London not yet covered.
There needs to be much better education provided around recycling and the system should be standardised at least across...
Show full commentThere should be a tube extension to Camberwell/Old Kent Road and across other parts of South London not yet covered.
There needs to be much better education provided around recycling and the system should be standardised at least across London, but preferably across the UK.
No airport extensions.
Perhaps tramlines should be extended.
I agree with other posters that there should be trees on every street and flytippers need to be prosecuted. It is a very big problem in my area.
Show less of commentGreg becker
Community Member 4 years agoPlanting more trees, great but how many? Getting local authorities to plant more trees in residential areas is very difficult as they seem more interested in cutting them down. Also private home owners are getting rid of garden trees for...
Show full commentPlanting more trees, great but how many? Getting local authorities to plant more trees in residential areas is very difficult as they seem more interested in cutting them down. Also private home owners are getting rid of garden trees for driveways and garden decking/AstroTurf. There is no initiative or encouragement for people to plant trees in their gardens. A great deal more could be done to improve air quality by giving trees more priority. Providing more electric charging points for cars and increasing public awareness of unnecessary pollution caused by petrol car engine idling would also help.
Show less of commentewc
Community Member 4 years agoSee the Woodland Trust who give away trees every year for gardens and my comments about the 2008 law.
BrentParksForum
Community Member 4 years agoFrozen TfL fares Brent Parks Forum BPF Comment 1 We need trams need a Budget that will enable this ULEZ BPF 2 Roll out to Greater London EG North Circular children in Brent, South East side have greater exposure to pollution due to...
Show full commentFrozen TfL fares Brent Parks Forum BPF Comment 1 We need trams need a Budget that will enable this ULEZ BPF 2 Roll out to Greater London EG North Circular children in Brent, South East side have greater exposure to pollution due to proximity to North Circular Rd NB Imperial College pollution map Budget proposes increase of £2.11 m GLA Env Budget BPF 3 Too slow for the health of Londoners ,Climate ChangeTightening LEZ standards in Oct 2020 BPF 4 Should be Jan 2020. Affects health of unborn babies vulnerable elderly Add M25 scheme taken too long to roll out Ensure London 1st NPcity, is greener in 2050 than today BPF 5 Too long needs speedy action please ensure this happens on your watch will be a legacy for next incumbant Continue electrification of London buses > 2000 zero emission buses by end 2024 all buses zeroemission by 2037 latest BPF 6 Too slow needs completion 100% 2027 latest Supporting TfL for all its rail services 100% carbon free by 2030 BPF 7 Needs to be brought forward to 2026/7 at the very latest Two-year pause proactive renewal of roads paving focus improving walking cycling and public transport BPF 8 Perfect Some roads have craters 25cm w x 18 cm deep. General decay friability of tarmac bus stops key midpoint island crossings Introduce new services on Northern line ext to Battersea Barking Riverside ext on London Overground BPF 9 Good Complete signalling upgrade increasing capacity by 33% on Circle Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, District lines BPF 10 Good
Show less of commentAnonymous - account deleted
Community Member 4 years agoClear air is a priority for sure. As a parents I am also increasigly concerned about 5G and really think this hasn't been tested enough to be implemented at such a large scale. I will be going to my first ever demontstration tomorrow as I...
Show full commentClear air is a priority for sure. As a parents I am also increasigly concerned about 5G and really think this hasn't been tested enough to be implemented at such a large scale. I will be going to my first ever demontstration tomorrow as I feel totally powerless and fear for my family health.
Show less of comment