How you can help improve air quality
Useful tips on how you can help improve air quality
There are many things that you can do to help reduce pollution levels and improve the quality of life for yourself, your family and others.
Think before you drive
- for short trips, why not walk, cycle or use public transport. Cycling or walking is healthier for the environment and you. In fact, you are exposed to much higher levels of air pollution inside a car than if you walked or cycled. Try not to use your car for short trips because a cold engine produces much more pollution. Extensive information about alternate modes of travel can be found on the Oxfordshire County Council
Oxfordshire County Council
This link will take you to an external website...
webpages. - don't drive your car when there are warnings of high air pollution. Go to www.airquality.co.uk to find out when pollution is high, or view our real time data webpages.
- have your car serviced regularly so that it runs efficiently, saves fuel and does not pollute the air as much.
- regularly check your car-s tuning and tyre pressure to improve fuel consumption
- don't leave your engine running when you are parked or when the car is stationary, such as outside school gates
- drive smoothly, as racing starts and sudden stops increase fuel consumption
- steady your speed. Driving at 70mph can use up to 30% more fuel than at 50mph
- think about car sharing - go shopping with neighbours or take a colleague to work or use the Oxfordshire Liftshare website.
Develop a travel plan
Ask your employer, school or college about developing a travel plan. This might include travel card loans, cycle facilities or a car pool. For further information visit Oxfordshire County Council's website
Oxfordshire County Council
This link will take you to an external website...
and go to the travel plans section. There maybe a local travel group in your area such as the Green 2 Work
travel website aim at businesses in South Oxfordshire.
Smoky vehicles
Report details of smoky lorries, buses, coaches and taxis to the Vehicle Inspectorate by phoning 020 8665 0885.
Cleaner fuels
Think about switching to cleaner fuels. If you have a diesel car, try to use a cleaner fuel such as city diesel as this produces less smoke than normal diesel fuel. If you are buying a new car, buy a smaller car as this will save you money, tax, fuel and reduce pollution or why not buy or convert your existing car to run on greener fuel such as gas. For information about grants to help you do this visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Transport
Last reviewed: 15 - 12 - 2011