Decision - Air Quality Action Plan 2022 Consultation Results

Reporting results of public consultation carried out in late Spring/early Summer on the draft plan which is part of the council's statutory duties within the Local Air Quality Management Framework following the declaration of revised Air Quality Management Areas. The plan includes a number of actions to primarily reduce harmful NO2 levels as well as tackle other pollutants such as particulates.

1) That the committee welcomes the inclusion of more ambitious targets in the Air Quality Action Plan for the protection of human health, which will work towards World Health Organisation guidelines (2021). 2) That the committee approves the 2022 Air Quality Action Plan in Appendix 2 of this report. 3) That the committee welcomes the continued work and investment to develop an expanded Ultra-low Emission Zone for the city. 4) That the committee requests officers research further how the development and delivery of a citywide Smoke Control Area could help tackle the harmful effects of particulate matter in the areas where there is currently no Smoke Control Area, and that officers ensure that advice is provided to residents on the council website on how best to manage solid fuel heating where they do have it to supplement heating, including referring people to the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service for a free home visit if they have concerns. 5) The committee welcomes the promotion of active travel and public transport as means to reduce emissions and improve local air quality.

The amendment proposed approving the 2022 Air Quality Action Plan and welcoming more ambitious air-quality targets aligned with World Health Organisation guidelines. It also supported continued work on an expanded Ultra-low Emission Zone, further research into a citywide Smoke Control Area, advice on solid-fuel heating, and promotion of active travel and public transport.