Air quality visibly improving in The Hague

The initial results of the air quality action plan drawn up in 2008 are becoming visible, according to the 2011 progress report.

According to the report, the Municipality of The Hague is on its way towards meeting European targets for particulates and nitrogen dioxide. However, extra measures will need to be taken at several spots, including the opening of the Koningstunnel on the Lekstraat and parts of the Neherkade and Raamweg.

One of the proposed measures for the Koningstunnel is a trial in which a special ecological paint is applied to absorb and eliminate nitrogen oxide gases. Placing a screen can also ensure that area residents are not exposed as much to exhaust fumes. The Neherkade will be redesigned as of 2014 which is expected to sufficiently improve the air quality. Timing traffic lights better on the Raamweg can improve the traffic circulation. If that doesn’t prove sufficient, relocating a number of trees can help to disperse particulates and nitrogen dioxide faster so that they are less of a health risk.

The air quality action plan should make The Hague’s air cleaner in the longer term. This is better for the health of area residents and visitors and ensures that spatial developments are also possible in the future. Cleaner traffic, less traffic and a better circulation of traffic are the plan’s most important measures.

The results are kept up to date using a monitoring tool at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment, supplemented with data from the Municipality of The Hague.