| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Terrific new proposal for the High Street | |
| Posted by: | Roland Gilmore | |
| Date/Time: | 02/02/13 11:06:00 |
| True, it will take more than "a few planters" to make a measurable difference but that does not mean that we should do nothing. The survey addressed a number of issues and air quality is evidently of significant concern to many. I am not a councillor or “downgrading” what anyone has said but stating what should be obvious to those who have read the report. Cyclists 1%. That is hardly a justification for advancing a case for about 15-20% of the available High Street width to be dedicated so disproportionately. Ultimately, when we park our cycles, get off the bus or park our cars, we all become pedestrians or wheel chair users so surely that is the commonality that should be focussed upon. I believe the intention of the proposal is not to address the impractical task of decreasing through traffic, improving air quality or for ensuring cyclists can speed along it unhindered but to make the High Street more pedestrian friendly and to improve its visual amenity. Though not a comprehensive measure in itself, development of the proposal will hopefully add as many plants as possible to improve air quality. Perhaps air movement modelling of what is actually going on under prevailing and occasional conditions to assess the viability, sizing, shape and positioning of vertical vent stacks, located within the widened path areas as an aid to improving air quality at street level could be considered. If viable, they could double up as signage, street lighting and/or banner supports and a support for vertical planting. There will be growing awareness during this "European Year of Air" of the health and environmental risks we are faced with unless we make changes. Air pollution shortens life expectancy by two years in the worst affected urban areas of Europe. Following a significant ammount of research, the EU intend to strengthen laws and increase target reductions this year for compliance by 2020. The new targets will be beyond the current limits that in PHS, we are woefully short of achieving now. The targeted reductions are not only for PMs and NO2 but for O3 (Ozone) and the carcinogen, BaP (Benzo(a)pyrene) exposure. Air pollution does become diffuse but doing nothing about it shouldn't be an option; for the sake of our children if not for our own health and well being. |