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Fumes and gases from industrial processes are controlled
through the Alkali etc. Works Regulation Act, 1906, administered
by the Alkali Inspector. Under the Clean Air Acts, smoke, dust
and grit emission from certain scheduled processes are also the
responsibility of this Inspectorate.
Apart from the Clean Air Act it should be noted that action
may be taken with regard to smoke or other nuisance from air
pollution under common law procedure, and this can be used to
secure both damages and an injunction.
Pollution from road vehicles is not controlled under any of
the Clean Air legislations but through the Road Traffic Act and
Motor Vehicle Instruction and Use Regulations.
Progress and Effects of Smoke Control in London
Over six million pounds has been spent by the London
Borough Councils on cleaning up the capital's air in the 13
years since the Clean Air Act came into operation.
the progress in smoke control orders made by the London
Boroughs has been rapid, relative to progress in the rest of
England and Wales, and has substantially reduced the emission
and concentration at ground level of a major air pollutant, smoke.
It is now possible to assess the advantages of these smoke
control activities and to produce a balance sheet. On the credit
side are the following items: —
1. The cost to the community has been roughly 3 shillings
per head per annum, of which the London Boroughs have
met approximately one shilling and fourpence.
2. Smoke concentrations have decreased by 80 per cent.
since 1958 in central London.
3. Sulphur dioxide concentrations have decreased by 40 per
cent. since 1958 in central London.
4. Sunshine in central London has increased by 70 per cent.
since 1958.
5. Winter visibility has increased threefold since the Act
came into force.
6. 138 bird species can now be seen in London, compared
with less than half that number ten years ago.
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