Council Announces ‘Cleaner Air Day’

Published on: 7 Sep, 2024
Updated on: 9 Sep, 2024

Today (September 7) is International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies. The day, it is intended, raises awareness of and motivates behaviour to counter the threat of air pollution and its negative impact.

In Guildford, Guildford Borough Council is hosting its first-ever Cleaner Air Day on Sunday, September 29. Taking place in the town centre, it’s will be a free family fun day to celebrate and learn ways that can all help improve air quality.

Ways GBC suggest could help improve air quality are:

Active travel – Instead of taking the car out, use an active means of transport such as walking or cycling.
Don’t idle – If you do need to drive, don’t leave the engine running when you’re parked up. Vehicle idling is bad for the environment and human health.
Public transport – For longer journeys, take the bus or train rather than driving
Save energy – Switch off lights and electronics when not in use. Use appliances with high energy-efficiency ratings in your home.
Be mindful of burning fuels – Use wood burners and stoves sparingly as they contribute to air pollution. Only use smokeless fuel or dry, seasoned wood.

A GBC spokesperson said: “On Cleaner Air Day in Guildford, we’re encouraging motorists to choose alternative travel such as walking, cycling or public transport, instead of using their car for the day.

“From 11am to 4pm the town centre will be full of eye-catching stalls, a playzone for children and there’ll be fantastic live music to enjoy.”

Free activities on the day

At Cleaner Air Day you’ll get the chance to:

Learn about what you can do to tackle air pollution
Try out e-bikes
Cycle your own smoothie on a smoothie bike
Speak to Action Surrey about ways to make your home more eco
Find out more about local wildlife and biodiversity
Get a bike health check with Dr. Bike
Browse a variety market stalls selling sustainable goods

Cllr Merel Rehorst-Smith

Lead councillor for Regulatory Services Merel Rehorst-Smith said: “We’re committed to making Guildford’s air cleaner and empowering our residents to be part of that transformation.

“Cleaner Air Day is a great opportunity for everyone to learn how we can make a difference and the role we play in making our air safer for all. I hope as many people as possible come along to take part, enjoy the activities on offer and find out more about the part we all play in tackling the climate emergency.”

Catherine Houston

Lead councillor for Commercial Services Catherine Houston added: “In Guildford we’re committed to becoming net zero by 2030 and it’s important we all work together to make that happen.

“Cleaner Air Day is going to be a fun and informative event that will help us all to understand the ways we can make Guildford greener. So leave the car at home, walk, cycle or hop on the bus and enjoy a great day out with all the family!”

Responses to Council Announces ‘Cleaner Air Day’

Jim Allen Reply

September 7, 2024 at 5:46 pm

Here’s a few controversial suggestions:

– Remove all bus lanes they only lead to congestion and standing traffic causing air pollution

– Get rid of large buses and bring in 20 seaters, smaller engine size less pollution – it is a rarity to see full buses

– Integrate the transport system – buses to run to and from required locations, like having the buses go to the railway station. Ask people when and where they want to travel

– Remove all 20mph areas they cause congestion and pollution

– Get rid of electric vehicles more rubber pollution and road damage due to heavier vehicles, child exploitation greater damage to the environment

– Buy UK food, not almond and oat milk and avocados

– Return oil, lead and resin to paints so they last 10 years or more rather the the environmental damage of repainting every two years.

But as I have said before, doing the common sense things are considered irrational in this modern world.
- Nathan Cassidy Reply
  
  September 10, 2024 at 9:45 am
  
  There are a lot of unverified claims here. The idea that 20mph areas cause pollution seems to be contrary to studies
  such as this one: https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/9676/chapter/1
  
  “German research indicates that traffic calming reduces idle times by 15 per cent, gear changing by 12 per cent, brake use by 14 per cent, and gasoline use by 12 per cent (Newman and Kenworthy 1992, 39–40). This slower and calmer style of driving reduces emissions, as demonstrated by an evaluation in Buxtehude, Germany.”
  
  What’s most concerning about this comment though is that Jim Allen ignores the fact that many 20mph zones are often requested by residents who fear for their children’s safety. If you walk up Markenfield Road you will see signs in people’s windows campaigning for “20 is plenty”.
  
  I believe in democracy. Therefore I would never argue that the council should remove traffic calming measures that people have campaigned for.
  - Jim Allen Reply
    
    September 11, 2024 at 9:44 pm
    
    Here are some debatable suggestions, such as the argument for lead-free engines with catalytic converters or ceramic engines and low lead content. Catalytic converters can potentially cause more environmental damage than low-lead engines, similar to the issue with car batteries.
    
    As for the 20 mph speed limit, while it may be suitable for cul-de-sacs, it can lead to significant traffic congestion when implemented in areas with high traffic volume. This will be evident in the Guildford area when the J10 project is completed. When considering the total pollution generated by multiple vehicles in a queue, it is important to take into account the cumulative impact rather than focusing solely on individual vehicles. It is crucial to remember that the entity funding a study or report may influence the predetermined conclusions.
Olly Azad Reply

September 8, 2024 at 5:06 pm

An interesting series of bullet points but I’m afraid common sense is not a gift, it’s a punishment because you have to deal with everyone who doesn’t have it.

I hope the skies over Guildford on Sunday 29th September are not filled with thick choking smog when GBC hosts it’s first ever “Cleaner Air Day” event.