Clean Air Day - How can you do your bit?
Wiltshire Lib Dems celebrate Clean Air Day by encouraging you to leave the car at home.
Clean Air Day is a national awareness day to learn about the effects of air pollution on our health.
Air pollution has long-term consequences on public health. It increases the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, stroke and dementia.
It is estimated that air pollution is responsible for 36,000 premature deaths annually with the poorest and most vulnerably disproportionately impacted. Locally, figures from Public Health England show that air pollution is responsible for 1 in 21 deaths among people aged 30 or over in Wiltshire.
Research from Friends of the Earth found that safe air pollution limits are breached in almost 20 areas across Wiltshire. This includes three areas in Salisbury, plus Marlborough, Bradford on Avon, Devizes and Calne.
We want to install air quality monitors for industry and traffic: with clean air zones and fines for 'idling' outside schools, residential areas and industrial areas.
Moreover, the party wants to introduce a moratorium on the incineration of waste, unless and until its use is proven to be absolutely necessary in light of the latest evidence using recycling technologies.
This year's Clean Air Day comes amid growing opposition to plans for a waste incinerator in Westbury.
How can you do your bit?
- Try lift sharing
- Avoid letting your vehicle idle
- Walk or cycle for shorts trips and to and from lunch
- Make use of public transport
- Drive more efficiently: drive smoothly
- Keep the weight of your car down
- Service your car regularly
- Use air conditioning sparingly
- Maintain correct tyre pressures
- Avoid lighting bonfires