NEWS RELEASE Air quality improvements

NEWS RELEASE

Air quality improvements

Four traffic corridors in the District will lose their 'pollution hot spot' status after showing consistent improvements in air quality.

Like all local authorities Blaby District Council has a duty to measure air quality in its area and submit annual reports to the Government.

If pollution is above target levels, then an Air Quality Monitoring Area (AQMA) must be declared. This requires specialised monitoring and a plan of action put in place to fix the problem.

The four AQMAs, along the A5460 Narborough Road South, M1 corridor in Enderby and Narborough, M1 corridor between Thorpe Astley and Kirby Muxloe, and Enderby Road, Whetstone will now be revoked.

All four areas have shown huge improvements in air quality with levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) below government set limits over the last five years.

NO2 is a harmful pollutant found in traffic fumes which can cause or exacerbate respiratory problems.

Pollutant levels have dropped thanks to partnership working on a range of actions. Encouraging behaviour change has been key, focusing on car shares/bicycle use while road infrastructure enhancements have resulted in freer-flowing traffic and less congestion.

The move has been backed by Defra and follows consultation with local stakeholders.

The Council's Cabinet approved the revocations at their last meeting. They also agreed the declaration of a new AQMA at Lubbesthorpe Road, Braunstone Town due to NO2 levels exceeding government targets in 2022.

While recorded levels dropped below target in 2023 the Council have felt it prudent to continue with the AQMA status for a further year.

Councillor Les Phillimore, Blaby District Council Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services said: "We take our responsibility for reviewing and managing air quality extremely seriously. Pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, are known to be harmful to health so we will do all we can to ensure levels are reduced.

"I'm delighted our work, alongside partners, has led to the removal of four AQMAs. Of course we will continue our monitoring and act if necessary. While it is unfortunate we have declared a new AQMA this is a precautionary measure and I'm sure improvements will continue."

For more information on air quality, AQMAs and monitoring work visit: Air Quality – Blaby District Council