Greenwich Parents Raise Concerns Over Pollution from Silvertown Tunnel
Greenwich parents are worried about pollution from the new Silvertown Tunnel, fearing it will worsen air quality near schools and homes.
Greenwich, Silvertown Tunnel, Air Pollution, Transport for London, HGVs, Schools
Greenwich: Drivers can use the new Silvertown Tunnel starting April 7. They’ll need to pay a toll, which also applies to the Blackwall Tunnel.
Transport for London (TfL) says they don’t expect more lorries to use the tunnels. The toll for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) will be £10 during peak times.
However, some locals worry the new tunnel will attract taller lorries. Currently, only HGVs under four meters can use the Blackwall Tunnel from the south.
After April 7, the Silvertown Tunnel will allow bigger lorries in both directions. This change has raised concerns among residents.
Victoria Rance, a local resident, thinks opening the tunnel during a climate emergency is a bad idea. She points out that the new bus lane is really for HGVs.
She worries about air quality near schools, saying thousands of children could be affected. Traffic avoiding the toll could also worsen pollution.
Karin Tearle, another resident, says TfL is only monitoring nitrogen oxide (NO2) levels. She believes they should also check for harmful particulates (PM2.5).
Particulates can cause serious health issues like heart disease and asthma. Karin feels TfL should do more for the community.
Local campaigners have set up air pollution monitors at schools like Invicta Primary. They want to track the tunnel’s impact on air quality.
They hope the tunnel will be closed if pollution increases. They suggest repurposing it for trams or buses only.
A sound barrier is being built near Invicta Primary, but parents doubt it will help with air pollution. They want more effective solutions.
Opponents of the tunnel worry a future Mayor might remove the toll, leading to more traffic and pollution. Victoria emphasizes that air quality is already poor.
She believes the climate emergency is happening now, not in the future. TfL claims the tunnel will improve air quality by reducing traffic delays.
They say modeling shows PM2.5 levels will be negligible. TfL started monitoring NO2 levels in 2020 and will continue for at least three years after the tunnel opens.