West Northants Council -Continuing the journey to improving air quality in West Northants

Continuing the journey to improving air quality in West Northants

Efforts to reduce air pollution within West Northamptonshire continue as two Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) that have seen significant improvements are removed.

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) produces an Annual Status Report detailing data for the area in line with government guidance which is consistent across the country. The West Northants Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) was submitted and was then approved in October by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. This was shaped with the help of local residents, businesses and stakeholders and outlines a series of actions to reduce pollution.

WNC monitors air quality across the area and levels are generally improving, which is supported by the removal of two AQMAs in Northampton which have seen a reduction in pollution over the last three years.

The first AQMA being removed is between J15 and J15A on the M1 and the other is located near the A45 and London Road near Wootton.

The main causes of air pollution within West Northants are from vehicles and fuel burning. Local initiatives introduced, as well as changes to the way we travel for work and leisure including technological advancements, have all helped improve air quality and support the health and wellbeing of our residents.

Monitoring in the Bradshaw Street area of Northampton has shown that a new AQMA is required near to the North Gate Bus Station, where levels at a single monitoring location have been slightly above the national air quality objective level.

A series of initiatives are underway to improve the quality of air not just in the 7 AQMAs but across the whole of our area, including:

• In respect of Bradshaw Street, Government funding has been secured which will see 51 electric buses deployed on the Northampton network, which should have dramatic result in the bus station area quite quickly.
• The adoption of the West Northamptonshire Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy.
• A Local Transport Plan for the area which is set to be published in the coming months following public consultation which seeks to improve existing public transport and encourage active travel.
• We're also carrying out research into domestic fuel burning habits locally to understand what people are burning and how often. The survey is open until 31 January.

The Council also recently published a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) that explores the causes and health implications of poor air quality within our communities and identifies ways to improve it. The document has been developed with healthcare professionals and partners and focuses on the importance of good indoor air quality particularly for those with health conditions and our vulnerable residents.

Cllr Matt Golby, WNC's Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services said: "We are committed to working with our partners and stakeholders to improving air quality across the area and improving the health and wellbeing of our residents, and the removal of two AQMA's is a significant step forward.

"The introduction of an AQMA in Bradshaw Street Northampton is due to vehicle emissions and as an authority, we're working on a range of actions and initiatives to reduce pollution in that area, and wider West Northants.

"We are also pleased to have been included in the government pilot looking at the impact of fuel burning. This information will help peoples understanding and enable them to make informed decisions for their household."

More information as well as advice and guidance on reducing pollution outdoors and within the home can be found on our Air Quality webpages.

Contact Information

West Northamptonshire Council Communications Team

communications@westnorthants.gov.uk