Issue - meetings

This report presents the results of the recent Low Emission Strategy (LES) public consultation.  The strategy has been developed to achieve further reductions in emissions of local and global air pollutants.

RESOLVED:  That Cabinet

i)             Approves option (a) and accepts the findings of the Low Emission Strategy (LES) consultation (detailed in paragraphs 19-25 of the report) and the resulting amendments to the consultation draft LES.

ii)            Formally adopts the amended LES circulated with the report as York’s first Low Emission Strategy.

REASON:            This option will ensure York retains its reputation as a pioneer in the adoption of an overarching low emission strategy and stays in a good position to attract low emission vehicles, technologies and associated jobs ahead of other local authorities.  It will allow work to commence on the development of a new low emission based Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP3) for the city and ensure low emission measures start to be delivered as soon as possible to improve air quality, protect public health and help meet CO₂ reduction targets.

Cabinet considered a report which presented the results of the recent Low Emission Strategy (LES) public consultation and requested formal adoption of the revised strategy set out at Annex 1 of the online agenda.

Consultation on the draft LES had taken place between 23 April and 25 May 2012 and the results of consultation and amendments proposed to the draft were set out at paragraphs 26 to 28 of the report and at Annexes 1 and 2 of the online agenda. Details of the current air quality situation and impacts on health in the city were also outlined.

The Cabinet Member confirmed that there had been a general endorsement of the strategy and referred to the summary of actions listed which would ensure low emission measures were delivered as soon as possible.

Following further discussion it was

RESOLVED:  That Cabinet

i)             Approves option (a) and accepts the findings of the Low Emission Strategy (LES) consultation (detailed in paragraphs 19-25 of the report) and the resulting amendments to the consultation draft LES.

ii)            Formally adopts the amended LES circulated with the report as York’s first Low Emission Strategy. ^1.

REASON:            This option will ensure York retains its reputation as a pioneer in the adoption of an overarching low emission strategy and stays in a good position to attract low emission vehicles, technologies and associated jobs ahead of other local authorities.  It will allow work to commence on the development of a new low emission based Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP3) for the city and ensure low emission measures start to be delivered as soon as possible to improve air quality, protect public health and help meet CO₂ reduction targets.