In Chatham 1 in 16 deaths are related to exposure to pollution. The annual health cost to society of the impacts of particulate matter alone in the UK is estimated to be around £16 billion. Cllr Teresa Murray, Deputy Leader of Medway Labour & Co-op and Spokesperson for Health
Cllr Teresa Murray, Deputy Leader of Medway Labour & Co-op and Spokesperson for Health

A report from Centre for Cities has revealed that 1 in 16 deaths in Chatham can be linked to air pollution, despite the UK meeting current legal limits.

To help tackle this, Medway Labour & Co-operative Group are calling for Medway Council to apply for government funding to become Britain’s first fully electric bus town.

Cllr Teresa Murray, Deputy Leader of Medway Labour & Co-op and Spokesperson for Health said, ‘I am alarmed to see Chatham listed in the Centre for Cities report as one of the most dangerous places to live for death caused by air pollution.

‘In Chatham one in 16 deaths are related to exposure to pollution yet Medway Council is doing little to mitigate the risks. There are no plans in place to make public transport greener or cheaper to reduce the amount of cars on the road, despite other cities like Labour-led Nottingham having achieved this.

‘The annual health cost to society of the impacts of particulate matter alone in the UK is estimated to be around £16 billion, and the fact that air quality tends to be worse in the poorest parts of Medway means that existing health inequalities are being compounded by poor air quality.’

We need to be much more ambitious and alongside applying for the electric bus funding, establish a publicly run, not-for-profit bus operator in Medway so that there is a more affordable and more accessible local alternative to the car. Cllr Andy Stamp, Medway Labour & Co-operative Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture
Cllr Andy Stamp, Medway Labour & Co-operative Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture

Cllr Andy Stamp, Medway Labour & Co-operative Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture said, ‘Road transport is the dominant source of air pollution within Medway so it is imperative that the Council reduces road traffic emissions.

‘The Conservative-run Council is far too complacent and lacking in ambition. They are failing to encourage more people to walk, cycle and use public transport in Medway, and promote car sharing where possible.

‘We need to be much more ambitious and alongside applying for the electric bus funding, establish a publicly run, not-for-profit bus operator in Medway so that there is a more affordable and more accessible local alternative to the car.’

The huge demand for housing and other development in Medway means that the air quality in our urban areas will only get worse. Medway Council should apply for government funding to be the first all-electric bus town. Cllr Simon Curry, Medway Labour Councillor for Luton & Wayfield
Cllr Simon Curry, Medway Labour Councillor for Luton & Wayfield

Cllr Simon Curry, Medway Labour Councillor for Luton & Wayfield said, ‘Austerity makes it difficult for Medway Council to invest in green technology, but this report highlights just how important it is for us to take action now.

‘The huge demand for housing and other development in Medway means that the air quality in our urban areas will only get worse. Medway Council should apply for government funding to be the first all-electric bus town. The funding will help the council purchase a fleet of electric vehicles, and go towards making public transport more affordable.’


Health costs, particulate matter: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/air-quality-abatement-cost-guidance

Centre for cities report: https://www.centreforcities.org/publication/cities-outlook-2020/

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/britains-first-all-electric-bus-town-to-pave-the-way-for-green-communities-of-the-future

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