Action to improve air quality

Archived press release

Date Published: 12/03/08

Action is being taken by Aylesbury Vale District Council to manage air quality in Aylesbury.

At a meeting of the cabinet last night (11 March), councillors approved the creation of two new Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) in the town.

A recent air quality survey has shown that levels of the pollutant nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a gas derived from vehicle exhaust fumes, are likely to exceed national standards at the Stoke Road gyratory and the junction of Friarage Road and Oxford Road.

In order to deal with this potential problem, the cabinet is recommending that two new AQMAs be formally declared. This means AVDC will draw up an action plan in conjunction with relevant parties, such as Buckinghamshire County Council, who are the highways authority for the area, setting out a range of measures to reduce pollution levels to acceptable limits and improve air quality.

Although government standards are unlikely to be met by the end of 2008, the levels of nitrogen dioxide measured do not demonstrate a significant health problem. Only the most sensitive people – those with existing respiratory or heart conditions – may experience mild effects.

“The council is taking positive steps to tackle an issue that has been identified as a potential problem,” said Councillor Sir Beville Stanier, Cabinet Member for Environment and Health. “We will do as much as we can to manage the air quality in these areas to ensure that a more serious problem does not occur. There are of course many actions that members of the public can take to help reduce local air pollution, for example use public transport, car share, walk or use a bicycle.”

Boundaries for the two new AQMAs have been drawn up and will go before the full council for approval in due course.