Issue - meetings

This report details the latest air quality monitoring results for York and progress on achieving measures in York’s third Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP3) to deliver further improvements.

Resolved:

i.             That the contents of the report be noted, including the continuing improvements in air quality in 2020 and proposals to update current AQAP to complement other key CYC strategies.

Reason: To enable the Executive Member to remain updated on the continuing improvements in air quality.

This report details the latest air quality monitoring results for York and progress on achieving measures in York’s third Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP3) to deliver further improvements. The Head of Public Protection was in attendance to present the report and respond to questions.

Key points raised during the presentation of the report included:

·        There had been widespread improvements across the board in air quality in 2020, likely due to the Covid-19 pandemic, however air quality had been improving in the city for a number of years.

·        There were plans to continue and perpetuate these improvements through the 4^th Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP4), and linking to the Local Plan, Local Transport Plan and the Climate Change Strategy.

The Executive Member noted:

·        That since 2012, reductions in air quality had been significant, although there were still areas for improvement, with one bus stop area not yet meeting air quality guidelines.

·        The reduction of traffic during the Covid-19 pandemic had provided a snapshot for how air quality ought to be in the future.

·        This work had made available funding for interventions on the ‘last mile’ into York for deliveries which was the most polluting and expensive mile of travel, which would improve air quality even further.

·        She thanked officers for their work and the report. 

Resolved:

i.             That the contents of the report be noted, including the continuing improvements in air quality in 2020 and proposals to update current AQAP to complement other key CYC strategies.

Reason: To enable the Executive Member to remain updated on the continuing improvements in air quality.