Company to improve West End air quality

New West End Company and Cross River Partnership have launched the UK’s first business-led scheme to drive improvements to air quality across the West End.

The strategy aims to address growing concerns regarding air pollution levels in the capital by exploring actions that businesses in the West End can undertake to reduce congestion and emissions.

Launched at an Air Quality Summit held at Regent Street cinema, the project has backing due to the success of a New West End Company-led waste consolidation project in Bond Street, which has reduced the number of waste collection vehicles in the street from 144 to 37 and reduced waste collection costs by 25 per cent for businesses.

Priorities within the new strategy include converting fleets to low emission vehicles, improving the cycle-friendliness of the West End, encouraging low-emission building design and construction practices, as well as installing green infrastructure in buildings to help filter air pollutants.

Steve Medway, managing director of trading environment at New West End Company, commented: “As the West End competes globally with other retail destinations, air quality becomes more and more crucial in providing a pleasurable experience for both visitors and residents, not just from a health point of view but also from a public realm perspective. Collaboration from businesses across the West End is crucial in taking action that reduces pollution.

“We recognise that what works for landowners will be very different to what works best for occupiers; retailers compared to hotels and large businesses compared to small independent enterprises. We are confident that our scheme can become a one stop shop for businesses of all sizes to take action to improve air quality.”

Cllr Heather Acton, Cabinet Member for Sustainability and Parking, said: “Westminster City Council is committed to improving air quality throughout the borough. Our Greener City Action Plan maps out how, with our partners, we can tackle pollution.

“This includes stopping vehicles idling engines, encouraging car club use as an alternative to a private car, reducing freight vehicle movement, promoting more cycling and walking, looking to reduce emissions from buildings and bidding for funds for a Marylebone Low Emission Neighbourhood. Working closely with businesses we can make real improvements to create a cleaner, greener city.”

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