LETTER: Calls for cut engine signs

Here in Hastings, on Falaise Road, signs have been erected by the council requiring all buses to turn off engines while stationary, and I have, in the past, pressed council officials to extend these signs throughout the county. Despite best efforts, this has not been possible, despite the overwhelming evidence warning us of the toxic effects of car/bus pollution. Earlier this summer, while walking into the Old Town and passing the coach/bus stop by the boating pool, on a hot summer’s day two stationary buses had their engine running, polluting the surrounding area where pedestrians passed, including young children. Research has repeatedly shown that such pollution has a devastating impact, linking this to serious conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, strokes and related chest infections, especially in children in their later years. As worrying, it is estimated that tens of thousands of people die annually from the effects of diesel pollution; sadly many such deaths might have been prevented. In Brighton, signs appear across the city - ‘cut engines cut pollution’. In many other towns and cities, similar signs are posted. I urge our councillors and officials to support the posting of similar signs across the town. Pollution is a massive nationwide problem, not easily solved but at least here in our lovely town, we can do our bit. Yes, event to save the planet and certainly to protect the health of young people and the lives of so many citizens, many of whom may be unaware that they may be breathing in dangerous levels of pollution. Stanley Mounsey The Uplands St Leonards Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live. Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on. 1) Make our website your homepage at www.hastingsobserver.co.uk/ 2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hastingsobserver 3) Follow us on Twitter @HastingsObs 4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here. And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out! The Hastings Observer - always the first with your local news. Be part of it.