Over 9000 people a year are killed in London by motor vehicle toxic fumes. In comparison, road traffic accidents kill about 300 people pa. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has defined diesel engine emissions as carcinogenic. There is no foreseeable economic benign alternative propulsion system near the market, to replace diesel and petrol engines. Even if emission free engines were available, over half of the microscopic particles come from tyre and tarmac dust, and would still exceed safe levels in air. Trams operate without pollution, and using renewable power reduce greenhouse gases and global warming.
London is a noisy city. Traffic has replaced the noise from factories. Individually motor vehicles are quieter but the increase in traffic volume means that noise is about the same or worse. Traffic noise is linked to high blood pressure and other signs of health stress. The WHO sets 55dBA as a safe daytime noise level. Most Southwark Streets are over 65dBA, twice as loud. The City Class tram has a passing noise level of 55dBA. Many people will not be able to hear trams over the noise of other traffic.
Crossing the road is another challenge when there is a lot of motor traffic. Busy roads create barriers between communities. Reducing the volume of vehicles, makes roads more sociable for meeting people, healthier to live near and safer to cross.
London is a world capital city with considerable wealth in its buildings and transport infrastructure. From 1933 tramways were scrapped as old fashioned and the cause of congestion. Tramways in Southwark closed in 1952. Traffic congestion worsened after the trams went. Many former tram passengers bought cars and drove. Sadly this valuable tram network, at today’s costs would be worth about £17bn.