22 June 2005

DEFRA have issued a smog warning for areas including Oxford [1]. High levels of the air pollutant ozone are expected to occur tomorrow (23nd June) and continue for several days.

Summer smog is mainly caused by vehicle emissions and can excaerbate respiratory and heart problems. In the summer of 2003, when there was last a heatwave, it was estimated that air pollution caused 800 premature deaths across the UK.

Says Green Party Councillor Craig Simmons: "Smog is a serious problem for those with heart and lung problems - particularly asthmatics.  The main contributor is pollution from motorised traffic. Yet, the County Council doesn't seem to be moving forward to tackle the problem with any sense of urgency. In fact, it is now proposing to encourage more cars into the City Centre with promises of free parking. "

FMI: 0773 980 3047 Cllr Craig Simmons

[1] http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2005/050622b.htm