In a move that strengthens the council’s commitment to addressing air pollution and aligns with the borough’s net zero targets, the Air-Quality Management Strategy will consolidate existing policy with new ideas on tackling air pollution in the borough, and is backed by guidance to ensure that air-quality is considered consistently during the planning process.
This follows the council installing five additional air-quality sensors last year, which enhanced the nitrogen dioxide monitoring network. Findings from this monitoring show rates of improvement in air quality - meaning that the current management areas are no longer required. Instead, Cabinet is set to adopt a full strategy, setting out how to continue improving air-quality across the entire borough.
Councillor Richard Coe, Cabinet Member for Household and Regulatory Services, said: “It's great to see the work we’ve done is showing a real improvement to air quality in the borough – but we are never complacent. This new strategy and planning guidance shows that we are taking driving forward improvements in air quality seriously.
“The Royal Borough will continue supporting workplace, school and personalised travel planning alongside improving facilities for cycling and walking, promoting bus services, and installing electric vehicle charge points across the borough.”
Cabinet set to give green light to air quality improvement strategy
The Royal Borough’s Cabinet is set to give the green light to an ambitious new Air Quality Strategy to improve both public health and the natural environment, when they meet on Wednesday 21 May.