Only by a co-ordinated and sustainable approach can we expect to reduce effectively the impact of pollution on our health and on our environment, both natural and man-made.
Great progress has been made since the smogs of the 1950s and air quality in the UK is now generally very good. Considerable improvements have been made to air quality through the regulation of industry and through progressively tighter emissions standards for vehicles. These improvements look set to continue with a range of measures at international, national and local level that will help to deliver cleaner air sooner.
Nevertheless, we cannot afford to be complacent as air pollution still presents a challenge both at the national and local level in terms of harm to human health and the environment. Lewisham, along with central government, is committed to ensuring that everyone is able to enjoy a level of ambient air quality in public places which poses no significant risk to his or her health and quality of life.