World News Today: Smog alert in England and Wales

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Smog alert in England and Wales

People enjoy the sunshine on the beach in Brighton, southern England

Large parts of the UK have had warm sunshine for the past week

The government has issued a "smog alert" in England and Wales for ozone and polluting particles known as PM10s, which can affect people's health.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said high levels of pollution are expected from 1500 BST on Thursday and over the Easter weekend.

It said the alert was due to warm and still conditions brought on by a high pressure system.

Defra is urging the public to take "sensible precautions".

It said some people, including those who have asthma - and particularly the elderly - could be affected by the high pollution levels and may notice an impact on their breathing.

It advised people to avoid taking exercise outside in the afternoon if they are susceptible to the pollutants, and not to take unnecessary short car journeys in a bid to help reduce the build-up of ozone.

Defra said its freephone helpline - 0800 556677 - would give regular updates on the levels of particles, and also offer health advice to those who may be particularly sensitive to air pollution.

It said other pollutants will remain at low levels over the weekend.

The smog alert comes as travel plans are getting under way as Britain begins a run of two double bank holiday weekends during a period of prolonged warm weather.

Rail works will affect some routes, and major motorways - including a now fully reopened M1 - were expected to become very busy from Thursday lunchtime.

About 18m people are expected to use their cars, but high fuel prices will mean shorter trips, predicted the AA.

Ground level ozone is formed when sunlight acts on nitrogen dioxides and other atmospheric substances which come from a range of sources, including petrol and other fuels.

Particulates, or PM10s, also come from sources such as vehicles.

The smog alert - the first for more than a year - comes as monitoring in London revealed that one site, on the Marylebone Road, has exceeded EU rules for the number of days in the year in which high levels of PM10s are permitted.

The UK will not face fines for the breach, as the EU has given Britain an extension, which means it has until June before it has to start meeting the standards in the capital.

However Green Party London Assembly member Jenny Jones said London's residents and visitors should be made aware of the high pollution levels ahead of the royal wedding.

Warm weather is set to continue through the Easter weekend for most of the UK, especially in England and Wales.

Large parts of the country have had warm sunshine for the past week.

The top temperature forecast for Thursday was in London, at 26C. Wednesday's temperatures in the city were the warmest of the year so far, with 26.5C recorded.

This year's late Easter and the royal wedding, on 29 April, have resulted in some workers only having to take only three days' leave off next week to get an 11-day break.

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