Ways to tackle air pollution in the BCP conurbation

In a bid to reduce CO2 levels, BCP Council has been encouraging people to use bicycles and buses instead of their cars.

We've asked some of the organisations and groups in Dorset what are the challenges and what would help more people do this.

A spokesperson for the council said it is “committed to providing sustainable alternative ways of getting to and around the area”. 

One way of reducing air pollution is to get people to use buses. 

Andrew Wickham, managing director of local operator Morebus, has been calling for people to leave their cars at home and use sustainable transport instead. 

“Bus running times have increased between the two towns over recent years - and this is a direct consequence of the number of cars circulating in the area,” Andrew said. 

Read more: What BCP Council is doing to reduce air pollution

He added journey times would be decreased if people left their cars at home, and this would not only allow people to get to their destinations quicker but also help reduce harmful emissions in the air. 

Morebus has also “invested heavily” in newer, more efficient buses as well as enhancing the ways in which buses are driven – through intensive coaching – to identify areas of reducing exhaust emissions. 

Andrew added: “As well as improving reliability and convenience for people in Dorset, buses can provide the perfect and affordable answer to reducing air pollution and congestion.” 

BCP Council also recommends cycling to work instead of driving as a way of reducing air pollution. 

But local cyclists say this isn’t always the easiest option, as a lack of facilities at the destination for cyclists can be off-putting for people who are torn between car and bike. 

Bob Richardson, chairman of Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers, said his personal view is that employers should look to offer space for cyclists top get changed, store clean clothes and shower after the commute. He also said there needs to be a safe, secure space for cyclists to leave their bikes at work.

Cyclists "need a safe space to keep their bikes". Picture from Pixabay

Read more: Air pollution in BCP exceeds World Health Organisation limits

Bob said: “I’d be very loathed to cycle anywhere and leave my bicycle chained up to a stand that’s out in the public and is unsupervised because people can get through even an expensive lock quite quickly.” 

Stewart Sinclair, of Dorset Cyclists’ Network, said: “The biggest thing is segregation. 

“We need an actual safe area for the cyclists to cycle on and the council needs to include more cycle lanes. 

“Colouring cycle lanes would help a great deal. But I was told colouring was too expensive and didn’t last very long.”