Putney High Street: AI cameras installed to crackdown on pollution

Seven systems have been permanently installed to closely monitor the number of vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists using the busy road now that levels are returning to pre-Covid levels. 

The  ‘Safety Shield Eco Census’ cameras also measure common pollutants including nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM) in real-time. 

Particulate matter is thought to be particularly harmful to people’s health. Previously the council used computer modelling to predict levels, but the new cameras will directly measure actual concentrations of PM2.5.  

Pollution levels in Putney High Street have been steadily falling since 2016. The number of hours NO2 levels breached National Air Quality Objectives fell from 1248 in 2016 to 11 in 2019 and four in 2020.  

Safety Shield cameras on Putney High Street Cabinet member for transport Cllr John Locker said: “These cameras will enable us to get up-to-date data on levels of cars and other traffic, as well as pedestrians, in Putney High Street, giving us the information we need to improve traffic flow and ensure the needs of residents and visitors are met.”  

Cabinet member for finance, corporate resources and climate sustainability, Cllr Kim Caddy added: “Better monitoring is an important part of our recently-published Air Quality Action Plan, so I’m delighted that we have introduced this innovative technology. 

“Pollution levels in Putney High Street and elsewhere in the borough have fallen, but we know there is always more to do, so we will use the data we collect to continue to develop and refine our approach.” 

The Air Quality Action Plan is currently out to public consultation, with the views of local people helping to shape the final version. Find out more.