Olympic Games 2012: Air Quality

House of Lords written question – answered at on 12 October 2011.

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Photo of Lord Hunt of Chesterton Lord Hunt of Chesterton Labour

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they, or other authorities in London, will have powers during the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to control road traffic in order to keep air pollution below the levels acceptable for the health of local residents, participating athletes, and visitors to the Games.

Photo of Earl Attlee Earl Attlee Lords Spokesperson (Department for Transport), Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Mayor of London is responsible for transport in London, and the Government are working closely with him to ensure we deliver a safe and successful Olympic Games.

The Government and mayor take air pollution very seriously, and are undertaking robust, proportionate action to protect public health. Measures are already under way to improve air quality in London, meaning that it is highly unlikely to be an issue for the smooth running of the Games. These measures include tighter standards for the London low emission zone, cleaner buses, record levels of investment in cycling and better traffic management, as detailed in the mayor's air quality strategy.

Our ambition is for a public transport Games, with 100 per cent of spectators travelling to London venues by public transport, cycling or on foot (with a very limited exception for disabled spectators).

To help achieve this, ticketed spectators for London events will receive a Games travelcard for London's public transport system on that day. There will be no private car parking for spectators at any venue, except for limited blue badge parking.

Transport for London (TfL) is already working hard with businesses to help them plan ahead for the Games, including advice on avoiding crowded hotspots where the transport system will be under the greatest pressure from spectator travel.

The TfL programme provides information on alternative ways of working and travelling, including home and flexible working, travelling at different times and using walking and cycling for more journeys. These and other measures should help reduce traffic levels and vehicle emissions, helping to address air-quality risks.

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Annotations

Katja Leyendecker
Posted on 15 Oct 2011 9:06 am (Report this annotation)

Too nice to be true.