South East

How do car fumes affect our environment? Help our scientists find out

With some of the busiest roads in the country, the South East of England has more than its fair share of road pollution. Should we be worried?

We want you to help us explore the relationship between vehicle pollution and the environmental quality of our green spaces.

Traffic in the South East
South East England has 5.2 million vehicles travelling a total of 54.2 billion miles every year and burning 6.1 million tonnes of fuel in the process.

Scientists have found that pollution from vehicles can significantly affect plant health and that some traffic-related pollutants can travel long distances from the road.

Help us assess the impact of traffic pollution
We can provide free Air Pollution Monitoring Kits so you can get involved in monitoring traffic pollution in green spaces such as parks, gardens, allotments, school fields and nature reserves near you.

You’ll be able to how see air quality in your local area compares with other areas nearby and right across the South East. Your results will also be of great help to our research.

Get involved
If you would like to find out more, please contact opalsoutheast@imperial.ac.uk.

If you are a teacher or leader of a youth or community group, please contact us about setting up a talk or activities.

Contact us
Nathan Callaghan: opalsoutheast@imperial.ac.uk

OPAL South East is led by Imperial College