Tips on ways to improve air quality

What you can do to improve Air Quality

Because road transport is the biggest source of air pollution in the District, you can reduce pollution and save petrol by:

• Try and do all your trips in one journey, rather than starting up the car 4 or 5 times to go on little errands. Fuel is wasted every time you start up the car. 
• Share a car or start a car pool. Even if you do it just once or twice a week, you'll reduce traffic congestion and pollution, and save money.
• Have fun! Ride your bike. It's a great way to travel and it can help you and the air get into condition. 
• Walk rather than taking the car, particularly if you’re just going round the corner to the local shops! Walking is an easy way to get exercise and improve your health as well as improving the air. 
• Regular maintenance and tune-ups, changing the oil and checking tyre inflation can improve mileage, extend your car's life and increase its resale value. It can also reduce traffic congestion due to preventable breakdowns and it could reduce your car's emissions by more than half. 
• If you do your own maintenance, recycle old tyres and batteries safely. Don’t pour your old oil down the drain. It pollutes the environment and could lead to prosecution. 
• Drive more efficiently, keep within speed limits, and always use the highest gear traffic conditions allow. Avoid rapid acceleration and heavy braking, both lead to greater fuel use and more pollution. 
• Remove roof racks and close windows to help make your car more aerodynamic and fuel efficient. 
• In the hot weather - Get fuel when it's cool. Refuelling during cooler periods of the day or in the evening can prevent petrol fumes from heating up and creating ozone. 
• Don't fill your car right up to the top of the tank. It releases petrol fumes into the air and cancels the benefits of the pump's anti-pollution devices. So stopping short of a full tank is safer and reduces pollution. 
• Use local radio and TV bulletins to find out where traffic congestion is, that way you will plan your journey better and are less likely to get stuck in traffic jams as well as saving fuel.

Date Updated: 24/04/08