Chapter 7 The Strategy for Improving Air Quality
7.1 Air pollution can have a serious effect on people's health. In the short-term, high pollution episodes can trigger increased admissions to hospital and contribute to the premature death of those people that are more susceptible, such as those with lung diseases and heart conditions. Scientific evidence also suggests that long-term exposure to fine particles could lead to a reduction in life expectancy.
7.2 One of the main sources of air pollution is road transport, particularly in urban areas. Road traffic accounts for over half of the total emissions of nitrogen oxides (NO2) and fine particulates (PM10). Between 1982 and 2003 the number of nationally licensed cars rose by 70% from 15.5 million cars to 26.2 million cars. In real terms, traffic growth across Kent is higher than the national trend and journey lengths have increased.