Leaf-blowers are the new target for environmentalists
Published: 12 August, 2010
by TOM FOOT
FIRST it was gas-guzzling 4x4 people carriers on the school run. Then it was the double basement excavations.
Now environmentalists in Hampstead have another bête noire: petrol-powered leaf-blowers.
Campaigners are taking their fight to Boris Johnson hoping to persuade the Mayor of London to outlaw the machines from Camden which, they say, will save future generations from respiratory illness. Pollution expert Simon MacReynoldson said: “I am in no doubt these machines are a nest of serious problems, the least of which, believe it or not, is the noise. They are banned in over 300 US cities on air pollution grounds.”
He said the blowers – used by the council and home-owners – are spewing out “inordinate” levels of carbon monoxide and harmful greenhouse gases.
He said tests on dust blown about by leaf-blowers had revealed traces of lead, pesticides, insect parts and animal faeces.
Mr MacReynoldson added: “The next time you have the misfortune to witness a blower in use, try to somehow overlook the noise and the dust and experience those fumes. We are hoping Boris Johnson and the London Assembly might consider banning them from local authority use.”
Blowers are mainly used by the council to clear leaves in the tree-lined roads near Hampstead Heath and other parks and squares.
Hampstead Town ward Conservative councillor Kirsty Roberts said: “The roads are groaning with the biggest cars in history but suddenly very powerful petrol engines are in use all over the very spaces intended to provide respite from pollution.”
But parks bosses argue it would be too expensive to pay people to sweep up leaves.
A Camden Council spokesman said: “A total ban would require a vast rise in our parks workforce, increasing costs substantially for borough residents. Camden’s environmental credentials are consistently high, with eight of our parks receiving Green flag awards this year.”