Britain is indeed a small nation, yet it is the most densely populated nation in Europe, overtaking Netherland and third in the world, after Japan and Bangladesh, discounting minor nations like Singapore, Monaco. Moreover part of Britain, Wales and Scotland, being agricultural and having rugged landscape, as well as much colder climate than England, are comparatively thinly populated, thus creating pressure on England, especially on cities in South of England like London.
No wonder there is huge price difference on properties; one can buy a detached three to four bed room property in certain parts of Northern Ireland and rural Wales, Scotland for the price we pay here in London on a one bedroom flat in upmarket area.
In densely populated parts of London, like Chiswick, Westminster and Chelsea, a few among many, dual carriageways like A4 and A 40, only few feet from school playgrounds, used by some one hundred thousand cars and Lorries daily, makes it impossible for children to use this space without risking their health, as nitrogen oxide consistently exceeds legal limit.
No wonder many such schools have banned children from playing in the open. A few schools may have indoor space, in gymnasium where children are allowed to play under supervision. But this is not the solution, as team sports like football and cricket could not be accommodated in such a small, closed space.
Many such schools are actively planning to grow a thick hedge consisting of quick-growing plants on the school perimeter bordering the road. This may reduce pollution to some extent but it is not the right answer to combat vehicle created pollution. The right answer is to stop polluting cars entering these areas, as well as enhance the electrification of all vehicles; heavy vehicles like buses and Lories may use hydrogen as an alternative to electricity which gives longer range.
Disuse of petrol and diesel vehicles will happen by 2045 if not earlier, according to government planning. But by that time, health of many children will be ruined, putting them on permanent medication, an unnecessary burden on our under-seize NHS! Other advanced nations are also planning to ban such polluting vehicles but by 2035, much earlier than Britain. So why do we always leg-behind when welfare of our citizens is concerned?
Kumudini Valambia
By email
