Demand reductions in air pollution, says Manchester Friends of the Earth

Manchester Friends of the Earth

Manchester Friends of the Earth is encouraging people who live or work in Greater Manchester to demand reductions in air pollution across the region by taking part in the Air Quality Action Plan consultation.

Air pollution in the UK harms our health and causes tens of thousands of premature deaths every year. It is estimated that air pollution causes over 1200 people to die prematurely in Greater Manchester each year. The air we inhale on the way to work, school and in our neighbourhoods has levels of pollution above EU limits.

Manchester Friends of the Earth believes that the Greater Manchester Low-emissions Strategy and Air Quality Action Plan needs to provide clear leadership on reducing single-occupancy car journeys, cleaning up bus engines, and providing an environment that enables and encourages people of all ages to walk and cycle.

To help people respond to the consultation, the campaigners have highlighted key issues in a a sample letter and are also encouraging people to add their own ideas for cleaning up Greater Manchester’s polluted air. People have until Friday the 29 April to respond.

Colette Humphrey, Clean Air campaigner with the group, said: “We know that air pollution needs to be tackled, yet people often feel there is little they can do to influence this important issue.

"The air quality action gives people a simple and effective way to let the Transport Authority know they are concerned and that Greater Manchester needs urgent action.

"Enabling more people to choose sustainable travel options has to be a central focus for any strategy to improve air quality in Greater Manchester. Delivering a safe and attractive cycle network across the region is essential to enable more people to choose to cycle."

Manchester Friends of the Earth are inviting people to join them at their monthly Bike Friday cycle.

Bike Friday provides a range of cycle rides into the city centre from various starting places around Greater Manchester and also works with companies and local authorities in Greater Manchester to promote cycling, improve cycle facilities and to encourage more people to continue cycling to school, work and for leisure all year round.