‘This is a public health crisis’: how the expansion of Ulez is affecting the daily lives of Londoners
‘This is a public health crisis’: how the expansion of Ulez is affecting the daily lives of Londoners The Guardian
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The small business owners
Alexandra Maynard runs Blue Bella Blooms, a florist in Enfield, with her sister Georgina Jeffrey. The Ulez expansion meant them having to give up their old van and buy a new vehicle.
“It would have ended up being too expensive to keep the old van,” said Maynard. “We use our van to deliver flowers around London six days a week. The scheme has gone against us personally, and we are just trying to earn an honest living.” She said that the Ulez expansion has created a “triple whammy” of extra costs, following increased import charges because of Brexit as well as the cost of living crisis.
“If we are going to have rules to reduce air pollution, don’t do it with these high charges that working-class people can’t afford to pay.”
The old van was decorated with the business name, advertising its flowers to people around the city.
“Now we are trying to find the money to decorate the new van,” Maynard added.
The parent
“My son started having asthma attacks in 2018 during a really hot summer with high levels of air pollution,” said Ruth Fitzharris, a mother of one and part of the group Mums for Lungs, which campaigns for clean air in London and across the UK.
“He was only 18 months old and ended up having seven asthma attacks that put him in the high dependency care unit at our local hospital.” She said the interventions he needed were really frightening. “It’s terrifying seeing someone not able to breathe, especially a child.”
Fitzharris said that as a result her consultant told the family to avoid traffic and car fumes, “because it is making children in London sick”.
She cites evidence that shows air pollution impacts all different areas of health, not just asthma, but dementia, mental health and cancer. “We need the national government to act on this because it’s a public health crisis,” she said. “Ulez is a step in a positive direction. Clean air zones work – and they work quickly.”
The professional drivers
Simon Rush was a private hire driver for more than two decades, while Seth Seglah drives an electric car as a private hire
The small business owners
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The issues highlighted in this section of the article are related to the economic impact of the Ulez expansion on small business owners. The Ulez charges have resulted in extra costs for Alexandra Maynard and her sister, affecting their ability to earn a living.
The parent
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The issues highlighted in this section of the article are related to the health impacts of air pollution, particularly on children. Ruth Fitzharris’s son experienced asthma attacks due to high levels of air pollution, highlighting the need for clean air to protect people’s health.
The professional drivers
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The issues highlighted in this section of the article are related to the economic challenges faced by professional drivers. Simon Rush and Seth Seglah discuss the financial burdens imposed by Ulez charges, including increased vehicle licensing costs and low earnings.
The campaigner
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The issues highlighted in this section of the article are related to the public health impacts of air pollution and the need for sustainable urban planning. Oliver Lord emphasizes the importance of Ulez schemes in improving air quality and suggests various initiatives to promote clean transportation options.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | – | – |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | – | – |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | – | – |
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Source: theguardian.com
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