Mayor Johnson tweets warning to followers but is it enough?

This morning the Mayor of London tweeted:
'London Gov @LDN_gov High air pollution forecast today. Get tips to protect you & your family'.

In January 2015, The Mayor of London, launched a major new air quality public awareness campaign 'Breathe Better Together', aimed at helping Londoners make small changes to reduce their exposure to pollution and help improve air quality.

The campaign aims to encourage Londoners to sign up to receive free regular email and text alerts about pollution levels, plus offered simple tips and information to minimise exposure. Parents will be encouraged to walk or cycle the school run using less polluted routes, whilst drivers will be asked to switch their engines off when their cars are parked or stationary for a long period of time.

Simon Birkett, Founder and Director of Clean Air in London, commented:“Well done Boris for issuing his first HIGH air pollution warning since launching his Breathe Better Together campaign on 30 January this year.

“This episode, the third of the year so far, is being caused by collapsing wind speeds and a change in wind direction that is bringing in air from the continent that has passed over heavily urbanised and industrialised areas. Easterly winds look set to worsen the problem for West London as it gets smothered in everyone’s air pollution. Air pollution monitors across London are expected to report HIGH particle levels at roadside and perhaps some background locations later today.

“Official health advice is that anyone experiencing discomfort such as sore eyes, cough or sore throat should consider reducing activity, particularly outdoors. At-risk individuals should take extra care and carry their medication with them today. Relief is expected overnight as wind speeds turn northerly.

“Boris could improve his alert system by issuing warnings before the news cycle rather than after it begins and tweeting them himself to 1.2m followers.”

March 17, 2015