Croydon Council has secured funding from the Greater London Authority for air quality initiatives along the London Road.

The London Road Business Low Emissions Neighbourhood (BLEN) is located in the area from Thornton Heath Pond to West Croydon Station. The BLEN aims to improve the environment and air quality.

A series of projects are proposed including:  

• urban greening
• action on idling vehicles
• working with local businesses and the community on air quality improvements

Air pollution is a major environmental risk to health. Research by Imperial College London estimated that it contributed to around 4,100 deaths in London in 2019.  Both short and long-term exposure to pollutants has been proven to cause and exacerbate illnesses ranging from eczema and itchy eyes to asthma, cancer and lung disease. 

Air pollution is a particular concern for child health, as it can stunt lung growth and affect lung capacity. In fact, research conducted through a major study (the EXHALE project by King’s College London) found that the lung capacity of 8- and 9-year-olds in Tower Hamlets is 5% lower than the national average. 

Update on Improvements to Urban Greening – April 2023

We have introduced changes to the area in front of 386 and 380 London Road, Croydon. This is in response to residents’ concerns about parking and vehicle idling to the frontage of 386 London Road.

The changes provide new planting at 386 London Road, helping to protect the residential apartments from the queuing traffic and exposure to air pollution, as well as making an area dominated by hard surfacing more attractive. 

Other greenery has been planted in front of 380 London Road, in a way to naturally help the drainage in the area using ‘rain gardens’ that absorb water into the ground; this would previously that would be taken away through the drainage system.

If you have any comments, suggestions, or ideas on this change to London Road greening, please tell us in our survey. The survey will close on 03 October 2023

Further Proposals

Increased planting is also underway or proposed in the following locations:   

• Thornton Heath Pond Gateway: at the junction of London Road with the A23 we will plant trees, shrub, and ground cover planting with signage installed to identify the northern entrance to the Low Emission Neighbourhood
• Gary Court: outside these flats there is a large expanse of pavement. We intend to improve this with tree and shrub planting
   

Action on idling vehicles

Vehicle engine idling (not switching off your engine when the vehicle is stationary) is a significant source of avoidable air pollution. 

Leaving engines running while stationary is simply an unnecessary source of air pollution.  It is also illegal. Combating this is particularly important in locations where there are high numbers of idling vehicle engines, such as outside schools and hospitals, and by bus stops, all of which are present on this part of London Road.
Posters, banners, and social media will be used to highlight the issues and we will be working with businesses and local community groups.  

We are looking for volunteers to help improve air quality in their local area and would like to be involved in no idling events which we aim to hold on London Road.  If you’d like to get involved in these events, please email highwayimprovements@croydon.gov.uk

Working with local businesses and the community on air quality improvements

BLEN funding is available to help support the following initiatives for the local business community and community organisations:

• Business Improvements - do you have ideas for small scale improvements such as cycle parking, showers and screens? 
• Clean Air Champions - e would like to hear from any local from local businesses and community organisations who would like to become ‘Clean Air Champions’. Clean Air Champions would be involved in identifying and helping to set up air quality initiatives for their organisation.  We would also like help hosting events and workshops for the wider business and local community. We would like to hold events and activities along the High Street to raise awareness of air quality and promote clean air initiatives.  
• Grants for Low Emission Vehicles - the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) are providing funding for the Workplace Charging Scheme. Businesses, charities and the public sector organisations can apply for funding to help implement workplace vehicle charging.  
• Promoting Walking Routes - we are looking for volunteers who are keen to help identifying and promote Clean Air Walking Routes in the area.  
• Smarter loading and servicing - we are looking to improve loading and servicing for businesses and residents along this part of London Road. The intention is to better manage the kerb space to reduce congestion and emissions. Initial ideas include piloting the introduction of innovative new technologies that allow businesses or suppliers to book kerbside space and loading bays in advance and the introduction of priority loading bays for electric vehicles at peak times.
• Zero emissions delivery service - we are proposing to pilot a zero emission delivery service for businesses on this part of London Road.

Get Involved in BLEN

If you would like further information or would like to get involved in one of the above projects, please contact:  

Highways and Transport,
Sustainable Communities, Regeneration and Economic Recovery Directorate,
Croydon Council,
Floor 6, Zone B,
Bernard Weatherill House,
8 Mint Walk,
Croydon
CR0 1EA

or email highwayimprovements@croydon.gov.uk