Road traffic

The major source of air pollution in Ealing is exhaust emissions from road traffic. As much as 80% of the nitrogen dioxide levels and 40% of fine particles in Ealing comes from road traffic. Levels of these pollutants vary depending on the amount of traffic and proximity of other sources of the pollutants, as well as weather conditions.

Although vehicle emissions are getting cleaner, the rapid growth in road traffic means that air pollution may continue to rise in the future. The council is looking at ways to reduce the amount of traffic on Ealing's roads and to make vehicle emissions cleaner. A large amount of the borough's air quality action plan and local air quality management functions are directed towards reducing the impact of road traffic emissions on our community.

You could save money on fuel and reduce emissions from your vehicle by driving efficiently. 20% of all car journeys could be avoided if other means of transport were used more.

In addition to direct emissions, transport also contributes to climate change and poor air quality in upstream emissions - refineries that produce transport fuel, and fossil fuel powered power stations (providing electricity for electric trains and road vehicles) release air pollutants.

Reducing and understanding transport air quality impacts
The transport hierarchy (word) sets out the order in which transport options should be considered based on environmental impact. The most desirable transport options being those that emit no or low amounts of air pollutants (APs) and Greenhouse Gases (GHGs).

Cycling and walking are the most environmentally sustainable forms of transport as they don’t involve the burning of fossil fuels, which produce greenhouse gases and other air pollutants.

Car Clubs have been shown reduce congestion, reduce pollution and encourage other sustainable transport modes.

Find more useful links on reducing transport air quality impacts.

The London Low Emission Zone (LEZ)
The objective of the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) is to improve air quality in London by deterring the most polluting vehicles from being driven in the area. The Low Emission Zone (LEZ) started on 4 February 2008 and will apply 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Further information about the LEZ is available on the Transport for London (TfL) website.