I NOTE how research by the GMB union confirms that nitrogen dioxide pollution is bad in central Oxford, unlike other areas of the county (Oxford Mail, October 7).

Oxford’s coach users should also note that the London Hillingdon figure is even higher than central Oxford: Hillingdon is a familiar stopping point for X90 and Tube coach users to and from London.

These figures indicate, once again, that the consequences of rising population and more housing in Oxfordshire will be more air pollution damaging human health.

This is due to utterly inadequate responses from successive governments.

Up to 30,000 people die as a result of air pollution each year in the UK and we have yet to see meaningful steps taken to deal with this major cause of premature death.

As the British Medical Association has suggested, accessibility should be favoured over mobility.

This includes making teleworking easier and more common. Cutting emissions is critical to dealing with climate change too.

Air quality improvements by the city council always seem to be years into the future.

Some practical steps could include tree planting, which has been shown to reduce air pollution.

Existing suitable sites could include the green space by the Radcliffe Camera and outside The Vaults in Radcliffe Square.

STEVE DAWE
County Press Officer
Oxfordshire Green Party