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Bid to make Waterloo a 'low emission neighbourhood'

London SE1 website team

An LED display of air quality statistics could be installed in Waterloo if a bid to make the area a 'low emission neighbourhood' is accepted by the Mayor of London.

News of the bid for up to £1 million of funding from the Mayor of London came in response to a question tabled by Bishop's ward councillor Kevin Craig.

"We already know that air quality across the whole of London is not good enough," said Cllr Jenny Brathwaite, Lambeth cabinet member for environment and sustainability.

"In fact, pollution levels breach European Union targets and World Health Organisation guidelines.

"While increased monitoring would be useful, we have the information we need to make our improving air quality our priority.

"We should do this as quickly as possible to reduce the negative health impacts associated with pollutants such as NO2.

"Officers are currently putting together bids to the Mayor's Air Quality Fund (MAQF), including one for a low emission neighbourhood in the Waterloo area, in partnership with Southwark and stakeholders such as Waterloo Quarter Business Improvement District (BID).

"This includes a new air quality monitoring station with an LED display, so residents can see their local air quality for themselves.

"A number of BIDs in London have purchased air quality monitoring stations, and this would be an alternative option if the MAQF bid is unsuccessful.

"As highlighted in my response to a question asked at the council meeting on 20 May 2015, the council is also taking action across the borough, but particularly in the Waterloo area to deal with the effects of 'engine idling'."

Environmental campaigners in Waterloo have often highlighted the proximity of Waterloo Bus Garage to people's homes.

This week's news that the entire fleet of diesel buses based at Waterloo garage will next year be replaced by electric vehicles represents a major change.

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