The government's provisional annual Air Quality Headline Indicator, published recently, estimates that there were more than twice as many days of higher air pollution in 2003 as there were in 2002.
High levels of ozone caused by hot, sunny weather in June, July and August when temperatures reached record highs were mainly to blame. A significant amount of the poor air quality was caused by pollution blown into the UK from abroad as well as local sources.
Air quality generally in the UK has improved steadily in recent years. Despite last year's rise in moderate or higher air pollution.
Preliminary research by Defra, based on previous pollution studies, estimates that air pollution may have contributed to 20-40 per cent of the extra deaths during the 2003 heatwave in England and Wales.
Environment Minister Lord Whitty said:
"We take the issue of clean air very seriously. It affects people's quality of life and we monitor pollution levels very carefully. The air we breathe is cleaner now than it was ten or 20 years ago, particularly in urban areas.
"Weather is a factor, and there will always be some fluctuations due to conditions such as we had last summer. We must look at long-term trends to get a true picture. Initial work shows that we have met our air quality strategy objectives to reduce carbon monoxide, benzene and 1,3-butadiene.
"Local, national and international action is contributing to long-term improvement in air quality. Local authorities now have action plans to tackle pollution hotspots, we have tighter controls to cut industrial emissions, and we are cutting road traffic pollution through cleaner vehicles and fuels. But all of us - industry, the public sector and individuals as well as government - need to do more if we are to achieve our future goals for even cleaner air."

Random vehicle emissions testing has been continuing in Islington.  On the 18th and 19th of November a total of 61 vehicles were pulled over to the side of the Holloway Road to have their exhaust emissions measured.  Of these vehicles 2 failed the test and resulted in the drivers being issued fixed penalty notices.  The drivers of these vehicles will be required to pay a fine of £60, which can be reduced to £30 if the fine is paid within 14 days.  For further information call 020 7747 4838 or visit www.alg.gov.uk/smokingkills.

Islington's second round of Air Quality review and assessment has begun.  The Updating and Screening Assessment can be downloaded at www.islington.gov.uk/airquality.

Islington's first city car club launched in September in Highbury Crescent now has 24 members.  Members of the club pay a monthly fee and a 'pay-as-you-drive' cost to drive car club vehicles.
For further information on the scheme please contact Dan Taylor on 020 7700 2436 or Eric Manners on 020 7527 2771.