Question to the Mayor on air quality in Harlesden

A404 in Harlesden

Question No: 3960 / 2011

Navin Shah

TfL may approve a new gyratory for the A404 in Harlesden. In deciding whether to return the commercial Craven Park Road to two-way traffic, and remove A404 through-traffic from the parallel, residential part of Manor Park Road, why has no consideration been made of air quality issues?

More generally, will the Mayor ensure that air quality issues are a quoted consideration in all relevant TfL road and infrastructure projects?

Written response from the Mayor

Written answer received on 11 January 2012:

It is not true that no consideration has been given to air quality.

The London Borough of Brent is seeking to transform Harlesden Town Centre by reducing the dominance of traffic, improving conditions for residents and visitors and significantly enhancing the public realm. The two scheme options currently being considered include proposals to improve air quality, through widened footways and simplifying crossing arrangements, enhanced landscaping, encouraging a modal shift to more walking and cycling and altering the road lay-out to improve traffic flows thereby reducing emissions.

At the initial project development stage, a number of options were considered. The final two options selected for public consultation were deemed to have positive impacts for air quality. An impact assessment document will be produced at the preferred option selection stage which will provide baseline information to monitor the long term impacts of the scheme, including air quality.More generally, any major project in receipt of TfL funding over £2m is subject to a standard business case appraisal procedure. This includes ensuring a sufficient air quality impact assessment has been undertaken by the scheme promoter. Similarly, all borough Local Implementation Plan submissions are assessed against my objectives, including improving air quality.