There are more schools and nurseries in Camden and Barnet near busy roads than in any other borough in London outside the City of Westminster, statistics uncovered by the Green Party have shown.

In response this week Green Party GLA candidate for Barnet and Camden AM Poppy launched a petition demanding the Mayor and local authorities do more to combat air pollution in the capital. SIGN IT HERE.

Fully 65 schools and nurseries in Camden and 59 in Barnet lie within 150 metres of roads carrying over 10,000 vehicles a day.

Studies have shown that air pollution causes more than 4,200 premature deaths in London every year and can lead to respiratory illnesses such as allergies, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer.

Statistics show that the monitor at Tally Ho corner in the busy shopping district of North Finchley—one of the few places where a pollution monitor has been installed—has recorded excessively high levels of Nitrogen Dioxide ever since it was installed in 1998.

AM Poppy said: “In the few places in Barnet and Camden where air is monitored, there is ample evidence of damagingly high levels of pollution.

“Current readings show the amount of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) belching into the air has been as bad in 2011 as in previous years, with consequent harmful effects on people living, working or shopping in North Finchley.

“There is every reason to believe that pollution levels are high in other shopping areas in Barnet and Camden and near many local schools, judging by the unacceptable figures at Tally Ho.”

The petition calls for Boris Johnson “to reduce urgently air pollution on main roads near schools to protect the health of children” and is being launched by Green Party candidates across London.

It will be presented to City Hall in the new year.

Green Party Mayoral candidate Jenny Jones said: “We hope that this petition helps tell City Hall how serious the problem or air pollution is—and how urgently action must be taken.

Simple measures could make such a huge difference in improving air quality and road safety, but there remains a lack of will to take this issue seriously.

“By cleaning up the bus fleet by 2016, taking the most polluting vans and taxis off the roads and reducing traffic across London, those who live in and visit London could enjoy healthier, cleaner, safer lives.”

Notes:

1. A map of London schools that lie within 400m of the city’s busiest roads can be found here.
2. Statistics on the number of schools in the boroughs near schools were taken from research undertaken by the Campaign for Clean Air in London. Full figures can be found here.
3. Statistics on deaths in London caused by air pollution can be found here.
4. Information on diseases linked to air pollution can be found here.
5. Photos of Green Party candidates, including Jenny Jones, can be found here.
6. A list of Green Party London policies can be found here.
7. A full list of Green Party candidates for the London Assembly elections can be found here.
8. A list of achievements by the Green Party in the London Assembly can be found here.
9. The Green Party of England and Wales promotes the policies of ecological sustainability, a fairer more stable economy, a more equal society, a higher standard of democracy and accountability of politicians to the communities they serve, and social justice on the global level as well as in our own country.
10. Caroline Lucas became the UK’s first Green MP in the 2010 General Election.
11. The Green Party is now the largest party on Brighton and Hove Council.