Opinion PUBLISHED: 08:41 12 February 2019 | UPDATED: 08:41 12 February 2019 Huw Sayer, director of Business Writers Smog near Postwick. Picture by SIMON FINLAY. What is it about Norwich that so many people love? Huw Sayer, director of Business Writers Ltd. Photo: Lorrie Tallis Of course, there’s the architecture, the history and the excellent range of independent shops. But the one thing that really stands out for me and many visitors is the sheer walk-ability of the place. Everywhere within the old city walls, particularly south and west of the Wensum, is within 30 minutes walk. Strolling from Chapelfield Gardens to the Cathedral Close is a pleasure – with the award-winning market along your way. It is also easily doable for anyone of average fitness. Yet Norwich faces a number of challenges. One is the damaging levels of air pollution, particularly from diesel vehicles. This is a serious threat to human health, particularly that of young children. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health recently reported that more children suffer from respiratory conditions in the UK than any other country in Europe. Other studies have found that air pollution is detrimental to mental health and educational attainment. If only for the sake of our children, we must reduce the level of traffic in urban areas. But there are other benefits to cutting the number of cars, as cities such as Amsterdam, Oslo, Bogotá in Colombia and Pontevedra in Spain have discovered. These cities have all introduced pedestrian friendly… [Read full story]
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