TO mark Clean Air Day last week (June 17), Hounslow Council has called for further action to tackle air pollution throughout the borough.

Councillor Katherine Dunne, Cabinet Member for Communities and Climate Emergency, said: "Air pollution cuts lives short and causes disease.

"It can cause coughing, shortness of breath and exacerbates asthma, and in the longer-term it can increase the likelihood of stroke, lung cancer, and heart disease.

"It's crucial we tackle air pollution not just to address climate change, but also because of the serious impact on health for children and older residents in Hounslow too.

"I'm proud of the actions we've already taken to reduce air pollution.

"Our School Streets scheme is cutting the number of vehicles on the roads outside 26 of the borough's schools, and this builds on many years work expanding our cycling and walking infrastructure to make this a viable alternative for many more residents.

"The good news is that pollution in the borough has fallen.

"We know that rates of nitrogen dioxide fell during lockdown in 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, and rates are still lower than 2019 even as many restrictions have been lifted.

"We need to lock-in the reductions we've seen and reduce them further.

"We have ambitious plans to continue to promote green travel in the borough, including the use of electric vehicles (EVs).

"We're expanding the network of charge points for EVs, as well as continuing to expand infrastructure for cycling and walking.

"I urge all residents to consider the actions you can take to cut air pollution.

"Whether that's driving a little less, cycling a bit more, and avoiding using wood burning stoves and open fires to heat your home.

"We can all do our bit."