The Government today announced a new series of measures, including strengthened guidance, to help local authorities improve air quality.
Using powers in the Environment Act, National Highways is to become the first designated 'Relevant Public Authority' placing a legal requirement on it to work together with local councils to deliver air quality objectives.
Defra has also updated Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) Policy Guidance to reflect legislative changes introduced through the Environment Act 2021 and clarify roles and responsibilities within local government.
The amended guidance includes a new requirement for local Air Quality Action Plans to include a timeline of clear actions, and the requirement for an Air Quality Management Area to be declared within 12 months of identifying excessive pollution.
It also includes the requirement for local authorities to produce an Air Quality Action Plan within 18 months of declaring an Air Quality Management Area.
There is also a new reminder and warning alert system to increase local council compliance with reporting on actions they are taking to improve air quality.
Environment minister Steve Double said: ‘These changes – delivered by our Environment Act – provide a strengthened framework for local councils to meet their air quality objectives, and will ensure that communities are protected sooner with real improvements to the air we breathe.’
