Implications for London of European air quality standards for sulphur dioxide and suspended particulates

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Energy use, pollutant emissions and air quality are examined for the purpose of assessing the implications for London of European standards for sulphur dioxide and suspended particulates. Two aspects of air pollution are identified in which difficulties are encountered in complying with the air quality ‘limit values’. The first concerns a core of high density sulphur dioxide emissions from central London, resulting mainly from the combustion of fuel oil by commercial-institutional premises. The second involves smoke emissions from motor vehicles. During recent years there has been a considerable reduction in sulphur dioxide and smoke concentrations at National Survey sites in London, which appears to be attributable to spontaneous changes in energy consumption patterns, notably stemming from an increased usage of natural gas. Concentrations of sulphur dioxide in the central area have frequently exceeded the limit values during this time, but are now close to attaining them. Whether—and for how long—the trend will continue is difficult to forecast, but certain precautionary measures are considered advisable to safeguard the situation against an uncontrolled return of either high sulphur oils or solid fuel and the consequent reduction in air quality. One strategy for achieving this, the placing of a limit on the sulphur content of fuels used in the central area, is examined in terms of cost and the availability of alternative fuels. As far as smoke, now coming predominantly from road vehicles, is concerned, the most efficacious course would be the introduction of more stringent emission controls on diesel vehicles.