Author(s)

I. Gegisian, M. Grey, J. W. S. Longhurst & J. G. Irwin

Abstract

The United Kingdom has a well-developed system of local air quality management established to combat air quality problems at a local level. In England air quality management areas tend to cover areas of greater social deprivation, and action plans developed to address poor air quality provide an opportunity to take account of environmental justice. However, this is not explicitly required by Government guidance and evidence to date suggests that the opportunity has not been realised. Many measures in current air quality action plans are not specific to air quality. This holds out the potential for greater integration of air quality measures with other local strategies, most notably local transport plans, which take greater account of environmental justice issues. Although not primarily intended to improve air quality or address environmental inequality, the London Congestion Charge provides evidence of the potential of this type of measure. Keywords: air pollution, deprivation, environmental justice, local air quality management. 1 Introduction Environmental justice (EJ) may be defined as the equitable treatment of all people in the development and implementation of environmental policies, regardless of race, creed, income and social class. While the concept emerged in the United States of America in response to concerns regarding race [1], in the United Kingdom concern has focussed more generally on deprivation. Research by the Environment Agency [2] found a strong relationship between air quality and deprivation in England. Such relationships have added significance as

Keywords

air pollution, deprivation, environmental justice, local air quality management.