Where are the clean buses Streatham was promised?

Nicole Griffiths: 'Where are clean buses?'

A promised ‘clean bus corridor’ through Brixton and Streatham has been delayed, the Green Party has learned.

The plan for either hybrid buses or diesels with top-of-the-range anti-pollutant systems to run along the A23 was due to start in October, cutting nitrogen dioxide emissions by up to 84%. Officials now say they aim for it to be in place “by the end of year.”

The Brixton and Streatham low emission zone was due to cover Stockwell Road, Brixton Hill and Streatham High Road, but at present, it is still served by the old bus fleet.

The delay follows news that Lambeth is the second worst borough in London for action to tackle air pollution, according to a report for the Mayor's office.

Streatham air quality campaigner Nicole Griffiths (pictured), who was the Green Party's candidate for Streatham in this year's General Election, commented: “For something which was announced with such passion, enthusiasm and zeal, the follow-up responses to this project have been closer to quiet shoulder shrugs.

"If there are delays with the project for any reason, the people of Lambeth are owed an explanation. We have been on the receiving end of long, dragging delays for urgent transport projects before now, with improvements to the High Road held off until Summer 2019. Nobody could be blamed for feeling worried about this missed deadline.
 

"There are few places that need it more than Lambeth, the second most polluted borough in London, whose council are also completely failing to reach their objectives on nitrogen dioxide pollution reduction. 

"What we urgently need from Sadiq and the GLA are not vague assurances, but firm launch dates followed up with clear action on the new Brixton to Streatham low emissions zone”.

Read the 2017 Borough Air Quality Report here.

Read March 2017 clean bus route promise here.