Scientists examined death rates from the disease and pollution levels in 352 local authorities between 1996 and 2004 and engine exhaust emissions were one of the pollutant levels analysed; the figures were then cross-checked with a range of pollutant levels.

The researchers say while other social factors may also play a part, a “strong correlation” between the two was observed.

They made their calculations by looking at how many deaths there were in each locality in excess of the national average.

The Birmingham scientists found a total of 386,374 people died of pneumonia during the eight year study period but significant regional variations were seen, with Lewisham in London with the highest number of deaths per capita and Berwick-on-Tweed the lowest.

In the 35 local authorities with the highest rates of pneumonia, there were 14,718 more deaths than the national average, and the researchers say these areas also tended to see higher rates of some cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and rheumatic heart disease.

Professor George Knox, the author of the report says high mortality rates were seen in areas with elevated ambient pollution levels and the strongest single effect was an increase in pneumonia deaths.

Professor Knox says the chief source of the emissions was road transport but it was not possible to discriminate between the different chemical components.

The research team estimate that the annual number of excess deaths which could be attributed to pollution could equate with those from the 1952 London smog, which killed 4,000 people.

Environmentalists say the research highlights the need for traffic congestion and pollution to be urgently addressed.

The study is published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.

So scruff up!

Outside London there will be two bands. The charges will be:

• Band A: Higher charge: £70, Lower charge: £50 (previously it was £60 for all contraventions)
• Band B: Higher charge: £60, Lower charge £40 (previously it was £50 for all contraventions)

London already has three bands:

• Band A: Higher charge: £120, Lower charge: £80 (previously it was £100)
• Band B: Higher charge: £100, Lower charge £60 (previously it was £80)
• Band C: Higher charge: £80, Lower charge £40 (previously it was £60)

Councils are also given the right to penalize actions such as parking next to a dropped kerb or parking too far away from the kerb.

One positive is that motorists get an extra week (21 days, was 14) to get their money sent in

Source

The ‘environmentally-friendly buses’ will run every seven minutes from 0700 to 1900 on weekdays and from 0800 to 1900 on Saturdays.

Councillor Bryan Lodge, Cabinet Member for Transport and Streetscene at Sheffield City Council, said: “This new service is another example of innovation from South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority which was recently named PTA of the Year at the National Transport Awards. It will help connect all the major parts of the City Centre and will help with its economic regeneration.”

This compliments the time when he cycled to work with a car following him purely to carry his briefcase to work…

Source

Steven was a cyclist and messenger, riding for Breakneck Cycle Couriers Ltd in Bradford.

Our sincere and deepest condolences go out to his family and all who knew him.

R I P - Steven Armstrong - 1989 - 2007

Currently, pedicabs have been defined as:
“a cycle to seat one or more passengers…for the purpose of being made available with a driver for hire.” A pedicab business is one which owns, lets out and takes bookings for pedicabs. As it stands, the Bill would make pedicabs liable for using bus lanes, parking on double yellow lines and the blocking of pavements. This liability would rest with the operators, who have hired out the pedicabs, and not the riders themselves (unlike with private hire firms).

The license scheme Would:

• register all rider personal information (full name, address, age, next of kin, phone, email, medical statement, criminal record statement and some form of positive ID eg passport, drivers license)
• ensure that all drivers have have passed CTC Level 3 Cycle training and/or a written Driving Standards Agency test adapted for pedicab riders (by date to be agreed)
• ensure vehicles are safe, legal and roadworthy (including lights, safety belts) and are specifically designed for carrying passengers
• ensure that all vehicles and drivers can be identified as being part of an operation (name plates on pedicabs / ID tags for riders (timescale to be agreed)

The registration scheme would:

• make it illegal for unregistered pedicabs to ply for hire in Sheffield
• require pedicab operators to register their pedicabs with the Public Carriage Office, the London Pedicab Operators Association (LPOA) and the Local Authority, for a “reasonable fee” so that should a pedicab be involved in a contravention of road and traffic law, a fine could be levied against the operator
• require pedicab operators, as part of the registration scheme, to prove they held third party public liability insurance
• ensure operations are managed according to the Code of Practice for Pedicab Operators as laid out by the LPOA

If you have any comments and/or suggestions, please feel free to send us an email, we welcome your opinion.

Leaving aside the environmental aftermath, there are many thousands of people around the world who find this time of year very upsetting for one reason or another, and having Christmas rammed down their throats is something to be endured annually. Year on year I would witness my mother slave for hours in the kitchen making food of which only half will be consumed. My mother was an excellent cook, but many people grow up traumatised by under/over cooked game birds, bland vegetables, stodgy puddings and piss-poor gravy. I say throw out traditional flatulent causing Christmas dinners and eat what you like to eat. Everyone loves crispy aromatic duck.

In many households large amounts of alcohol will be drank in a sorry attempt at coping with family members they dislike, painful TV schedules and fake gratitude for un-wanted gifts. If there’s anybody in your home between the age of 16 and 35 the chances are they’ll have a killer hangover on Christmas morning. Drunken dads at Christmas can be much more than an embarrassing nightmare, as is the uncle who always tries to get your mom under the mistletoe. Our annual holidays should not end in tears, bloodshed and/or tragedy.

With a little forethought and consideration, this year we can all have an excellent festive season, give presents that have meaning, and still contribute less to the devastating impact a typical British Christmas has on the environment and our mental state. For example, buying locally grown food and crafts would limit food-miles and support your local economy. Even better, why not show someone what this time of year really means. If you know of someone, anyone, who will be unhappy or alone at Christmas, why not invite them over to share in your festive holiday. If that’s a bit too much like “A Christmas Carol”, why not give them a call on Christmas day to wish them a Merry Christmas, you may just make someone’s year.