Decision details

Cabinet received a report of the Director of Economy, Transport and Environment and Director of Public Health regarding emerging issues relating to air quality and the County Council’s approach to these.

It was explained that air quality was a concern nationally and that a formal direction had been issued to investigate high levels of nitrous oxide at four sites in Hampshire. Similar directions had also been issued to the cities of Southampton and Portsmouth. It was noted that responsibility for air quality lay with District and Borough Councils, however the County was responsible for highways, being a primary cause of poor air quality, and for public health, where the impact of poor air quality could be felt. The process of benchmarking measures against the possibility of a clean air charging zone in conjunction with District Councils was set out. It was explained that a clean air charging zone posed the risk of simply moving the problem somewhere else and ultimately national strategies to remove the most polluting vehicles would be the most beneficial.

With the agreement of the Chairman Councillor Jackie Porter addressed Cabinet. Councillor Porter highlighted the particular risk to children of poor air quality as usually this was worse nearer to the ground. She explained that it was an issue for children who walk to school, especially as the traffic congestion at those times of day further worsened air quality. Councillor Porter recognised that there were many factors involved in tackling air quality and called for consideration to be given for off-road walking options to benefit children.

Cabinet acknowledged that the County Council would play a co-ordination role as improving air quality wasn’t something that could be achieved in isolation. The four areas identified as having poor air quality would be dealt with, but long term strategies for the whole County area would be considered. It was recognised that there was no additional funding for the formation of air quality management areas, furthermore that the requirement to consult on potentially ineffective charging zones had caused public alarm.

The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. The decision record is attached.