Sniff the air
@snifftheair.bsky.social
For unclogged streets, fewer fumes, and healthier happier people. Not affiliated.
Reposted by Sniff the air
The data is clear: congestion pricing in NYC has been a “huge success”. “Pollution: -22%. Revenue for mass transit: $548M.” [bsky.app]
Mark D. Levine (@marklevinenyc.bsky.social)
Year 1 data on congestion pricing in Manhattan… * Vehicle traffic: -11% * Foot traffic: +3.4% * Storefront vacancy: -0.9% * Pollution: -22% * Revenue for mass transit: $548M So YES this has been a huge success.
bsky.app
December 26, 2025 at 3:46 PM
The data is clear: congestion pricing in NYC has been a “huge success”. “Pollution: -22%. Revenue for mass transit: $548M.” [bsky.app]
Reposted by Sniff the air
What on earth is the point of caving on the farms inheritance tax stuff now? This government is determined to extract the maximum of political pain for the minimum of political gain
December 23, 2025 at 12:15 PM
What on earth is the point of caving on the farms inheritance tax stuff now? This government is determined to extract the maximum of political pain for the minimum of political gain
Reposted by Sniff the air
If you want your city to be a great place for everyone, especially children, older and disabled people, to get around safely and conveniently, then don’t invite in a load of driverless cars.
You’ll just be landed with a new source of congestion and serious extra chaos if there’s a power cut.
You’ll just be landed with a new source of congestion and serious extra chaos if there’s a power cut.
“Traffic lights across the city were down, seemingly confusing the driverless cars —& halting them in their tracks. Riders and pedestrians posted videos of Waymos stuck at intersections, long lines of drivers behind them.”
Less well known— driverless cars contribute to traffic congestion EVERY day.
Less well known— driverless cars contribute to traffic congestion EVERY day.
Waymo halts service during massive S.F. blackout after causing traffic jams
Numerous autonomous vehicles caused traffic jams across San Francisco after a PG&E outage hit 1/3 of the city.
missionlocal.org
December 21, 2025 at 7:37 AM
If you want your city to be a great place for everyone, especially children, older and disabled people, to get around safely and conveniently, then don’t invite in a load of driverless cars.
You’ll just be landed with a new source of congestion and serious extra chaos if there’s a power cut.
You’ll just be landed with a new source of congestion and serious extra chaos if there’s a power cut.
Reposted by Sniff the air
Your mam when you ask if you can go to the shops aged 7
December 18, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Your mam when you ask if you can go to the shops aged 7
Reposted by Sniff the air
The Scottish govt has dropped plans to lower the national speed limit on single carriageway roads to 50mph because it was unpopular.
It's a govt's job to do what's right, not what's popular. Reducing the limit would have reduced danger and KSIs in those roads.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
It's a govt's job to do what's right, not what's popular. Reducing the limit would have reduced danger and KSIs in those roads.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Government drops plans to reduce speeds on single carriageways - BBC News
Plans to reduce the national speed limit on single carriageways from 60mph to 50mph were unpopular.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 15, 2025 at 12:40 PM
The Scottish govt has dropped plans to lower the national speed limit on single carriageway roads to 50mph because it was unpopular.
It's a govt's job to do what's right, not what's popular. Reducing the limit would have reduced danger and KSIs in those roads.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
It's a govt's job to do what's right, not what's popular. Reducing the limit would have reduced danger and KSIs in those roads.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Sniff the air
How will Cambridge become a net zero council in the next four years? Nice piece tackling an important question, given it's not the only council that declared climate emergencies and are now staring down a target to drastically cut CO2 by the same year: www.insidehousing.co.uk/cities-encyc...
Cambridge: How it plans to become a net zero council by 2030
Cambridge City Council’s new climate strategy includes ambitious district heating and retrofit plans. Kate Callaghan explores how it aims to become a net zero council by 2030
www.insidehousing.co.uk
December 15, 2025 at 11:36 AM
How will Cambridge become a net zero council in the next four years? Nice piece tackling an important question, given it's not the only council that declared climate emergencies and are now staring down a target to drastically cut CO2 by the same year: www.insidehousing.co.uk/cities-encyc...
It's like losing the boat race every day ...
Oxfordshire County Council has just published data on the first month of the congestion charge! Love the level of granularity.
In summary, huge speed up in bus times in city centre, slight increase on some outer roads; massive city centre footfall growth.
news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/promising-st...
In summary, huge speed up in bus times in city centre, slight increase on some outer roads; massive city centre footfall growth.
news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/promising-st...
Promising start for Oxford temporary congestion charge
Early monitoring data for Oxford’s temporary congestion charge, published today by Oxfordshire County Council, shows signs of improving city centre traffic and key journey times, with some outer roads...
news.oxfordshire.gov.uk
December 10, 2025 at 12:12 PM
It's like losing the boat race every day ...
Reposted by Sniff the air
"The larger it is, the more it pollutes" - Mayor of Paris
We need more local leaders prepared to speak out and take action on this literal growing threat
www.bbc.com/news/article...
We need more local leaders prepared to speak out and take action on this literal growing threat
www.bbc.com/news/article...
'Carspreading’ is on the rise - not everyone is happy
In the UK and across Europe, cars are becoming longer, wider and heavier.
www.bbc.com
December 3, 2025 at 11:39 PM
"The larger it is, the more it pollutes" - Mayor of Paris
We need more local leaders prepared to speak out and take action on this literal growing threat
www.bbc.com/news/article...
We need more local leaders prepared to speak out and take action on this literal growing threat
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Sniff the air
Potentially good news for the nation's health: woodburning stoves are a huge source of air pollution. They damage the lungs of people inside the house as well, especially those who sleep in upstairs bedrooms who are exposed at high levels overnight.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Wood-burning stoves could face partial ban in Labour’s updated environment plan
Exclusive: Pollution targets set out alongside nature recovery projects to allay concerns over housebuilding
www.theguardian.com
December 1, 2025 at 8:14 AM
Potentially good news for the nation's health: woodburning stoves are a huge source of air pollution. They damage the lungs of people inside the house as well, especially those who sleep in upstairs bedrooms who are exposed at high levels overnight.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Sniff the air
We have "car experts" who think it's in any way sustainable to have cheaper driving and therefore more driving, who oppose any moves to make driving even a tiny bit 'worse' or more 'costly' despite the clear demographic skews of car ownership & use. We need less driving, now, fast. It's that simple.
November 26, 2025 at 11:49 AM
We have "car experts" who think it's in any way sustainable to have cheaper driving and therefore more driving, who oppose any moves to make driving even a tiny bit 'worse' or more 'costly' despite the clear demographic skews of car ownership & use. We need less driving, now, fast. It's that simple.
Reposted by Sniff the air
There's always money for more driving
Reeves to announce £1.5bn boost in EV subsidies amid pay-per-mile concerns
Reeves to announce £1.5bn boost in EV subsidies amid pay-per-mile concerns
Industry experts welcome extra incentives but fear a consultation on a mileage tax sends mixed messages
Drivers will be able to claim government subsidies to cut the cost of buying a new electric car until 2030 under plans to be announced by Rachel Reeves at next week’s budget.
The chancellor will unveil an extra £1.3bn for subsidies for new electric vehicles (EVs) and a further £200m for charging points, as she attempts to prevent the market for clean cars drying up amid concerns about a new pay-per-mile tax. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 23, 2025 at 9:07 AM
There's always money for more driving
Reposted by Sniff the air
What is motonormativity? I'm on my way to an air pollution event in a city centre and the organisers have put the driving directions ahead of the public transport directions in the email
November 20, 2025 at 8:14 AM
What is motonormativity? I'm on my way to an air pollution event in a city centre and the organisers have put the driving directions ahead of the public transport directions in the email
Reposted by Sniff the air
Shall we all bookmark this for when the Budget decides the Bike to Work scheme is unaffordable? www.gov.uk/government/n...
November 19, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Shall we all bookmark this for when the Budget decides the Bike to Work scheme is unaffordable? www.gov.uk/government/n...
Reposted by Sniff the air
Proposed new eastern entrance to Cambridge Station from Clifton Road eastwestrail.co.uk/you-said-we-...
November 19, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Proposed new eastern entrance to Cambridge Station from Clifton Road eastwestrail.co.uk/you-said-we-...
Reposted by Sniff the air
Bristow is being accused of "dithering and delaying " bus franchising
www.cambsnews.co.uk/news/delay-t...
He promised to deliver bus franchising with no precept, so it's about time he comes clean with how he will fund this.
Plus the free parking and his new crime commissioner
www.cambsnews.co.uk/news/delay-t...
He promised to deliver bus franchising with no precept, so it's about time he comes clean with how he will fund this.
Plus the free parking and his new crime commissioner
Delay to bus franchising sparks political row as Cllr Elisa Meschini accuses Mayor Bristow of ‘dither and delay’ - News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire
Plans to overhaul the bus network across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough have been pushed back, leaving passengers facing more years of inconsistent services.
www.cambsnews.co.uk
November 16, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Bristow is being accused of "dithering and delaying " bus franchising
www.cambsnews.co.uk/news/delay-t...
He promised to deliver bus franchising with no precept, so it's about time he comes clean with how he will fund this.
Plus the free parking and his new crime commissioner
www.cambsnews.co.uk/news/delay-t...
He promised to deliver bus franchising with no precept, so it's about time he comes clean with how he will fund this.
Plus the free parking and his new crime commissioner
Reposted by Sniff the air
This will kill the heat pump market.
And that means cuts in investment in the whole system: tech, skills, supply chain, business investment.
And the subsidy is not a *benefit*, it's designed to equalise the choice between gas and electric.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
And that means cuts in investment in the whole system: tech, skills, supply chain, business investment.
And the subsidy is not a *benefit*, it's designed to equalise the choice between gas and electric.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Hundreds of thousands to lose heat pump subsidies in Reeves’s budget plan
Exclusive: chancellor plans to fund energy efficiency levies via warm homes plan as part of drive to lower energy bills
www.theguardian.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:39 PM
This will kill the heat pump market.
And that means cuts in investment in the whole system: tech, skills, supply chain, business investment.
And the subsidy is not a *benefit*, it's designed to equalise the choice between gas and electric.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
And that means cuts in investment in the whole system: tech, skills, supply chain, business investment.
And the subsidy is not a *benefit*, it's designed to equalise the choice between gas and electric.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Sniff the air
Good morning to all those people who wasted the last decade saying, "there's no point tackling climate change in the UK, because China."
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
China’s CO2 emissions have been flat or falling for past 18 months, analysis finds
World’s biggest polluter on track to hit peak emissions target early but miss goal for cutting carbon intensity
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:08 AM
Good morning to all those people who wasted the last decade saying, "there's no point tackling climate change in the UK, because China."
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Reposted by Sniff the air
Someone just shared this with me: 1967, 3,000 publicans marching against introducing breath tests for drivers.
Barbara Castle MP got this introduced and speed limits and seatbelts as mInister for transport, and faced the standard opposition.
Barbara Castle MP got this introduced and speed limits and seatbelts as mInister for transport, and faced the standard opposition.
November 6, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Someone just shared this with me: 1967, 3,000 publicans marching against introducing breath tests for drivers.
Barbara Castle MP got this introduced and speed limits and seatbelts as mInister for transport, and faced the standard opposition.
Barbara Castle MP got this introduced and speed limits and seatbelts as mInister for transport, and faced the standard opposition.
So the govt is going to 'build' a new National Forest between Cambridge and Oxford. As a taster, here's some of what that might look like
November 5, 2025 at 5:09 AM
So the govt is going to 'build' a new National Forest between Cambridge and Oxford. As a taster, here's some of what that might look like
Reposted by Sniff the air
Cars the U.K are up to 55% larger today than they were in the 1970s and there are twice the number of motors on our roads as there were 30 years ago, but anti-Low Traffic Neighbourhood and anti-cycle lane campaigners keep claiming they 'cause congestion'.
Okay.
Okay.
November 4, 2025 at 9:34 AM
Cars the U.K are up to 55% larger today than they were in the 1970s and there are twice the number of motors on our roads as there were 30 years ago, but anti-Low Traffic Neighbourhood and anti-cycle lane campaigners keep claiming they 'cause congestion'.
Okay.
Okay.
What Cambridge could've had ...
It is perhaps indicative of how effectively the congestion charge is working in Oxford City that my bus this morning had to hold at 4 different stops to regularise the service to the timetable. It's night and day from the bus experience of Cowley road prior to introduction.
November 3, 2025 at 8:44 AM
What Cambridge could've had ...
Reposted by Sniff the air
Looking forward to this garbage coming to London.
youtube.com/shorts/8ltYK...
youtube.com/shorts/8ltYK...
Welcome to San Francisco! #waymo #selfdrive #techgadgets
YouTube video by Mia McCarthy
youtube.com
November 2, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Looking forward to this garbage coming to London.
youtube.com/shorts/8ltYK...
youtube.com/shorts/8ltYK...
Reposted by Sniff the air
It is not true “England cannot effectively subsidise travel costs”. Retired people get free travel. By freezing the fuel duty escalator we are subsidising car drivers, which compounds inequality. See more here: bettertransport.org.uk/media/groups...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
No free bus passes for under 22s, says goverment
The Commons Transport Committee recommended scrapping bus fares for young people in August.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 2, 2025 at 7:48 AM
It is not true “England cannot effectively subsidise travel costs”. Retired people get free travel. By freezing the fuel duty escalator we are subsidising car drivers, which compounds inequality. See more here: bettertransport.org.uk/media/groups...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Sniff the air
Traffic deaths are a societal choice
We decide we’re OK with such deaths or we’re not OK
In 1975, Oslo had 44 traffic deaths—now they have zero deaths per year
Oslo made a choice. It had a vision of zero deaths, & chose to take the steps needed to end deaths (www.wired.com/story/oslo-p...)
We decide we’re OK with such deaths or we’re not OK
In 1975, Oslo had 44 traffic deaths—now they have zero deaths per year
Oslo made a choice. It had a vision of zero deaths, & chose to take the steps needed to end deaths (www.wired.com/story/oslo-p...)
The other sad thing is how normalized the everyday average between 10 - 20 deaths has become. If any other transportation mode melted glaciers while also caused this 👇, there’d be nationwide bans.
Yes, Halloween is the deadliest day of the year for child pedestrians—great advice from @mcbazacophd.bsky.social
(It’s also our kid’s birthday)
(It’s also our kid’s birthday)
October 31, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Traffic deaths are a societal choice
We decide we’re OK with such deaths or we’re not OK
In 1975, Oslo had 44 traffic deaths—now they have zero deaths per year
Oslo made a choice. It had a vision of zero deaths, & chose to take the steps needed to end deaths (www.wired.com/story/oslo-p...)
We decide we’re OK with such deaths or we’re not OK
In 1975, Oslo had 44 traffic deaths—now they have zero deaths per year
Oslo made a choice. It had a vision of zero deaths, & chose to take the steps needed to end deaths (www.wired.com/story/oslo-p...)
This is one car I *would* like to see driving around Cambridge
Utrecht has a fleet of ~6 of these cars topped with LiDAR. They circle Utrecht making images of parked cars throughout the day.
Since people don't always follow parking rules, Utrecht earns €50-100K a day. All that € goes into street improvements.
All it takes is cars with license plates (+ LiDAR)
Since people don't always follow parking rules, Utrecht earns €50-100K a day. All that € goes into street improvements.
All it takes is cars with license plates (+ LiDAR)
October 30, 2025 at 7:26 AM
This is one car I *would* like to see driving around Cambridge