South Lakes councillor James Airey is encouraging local people to have their say on the Government’s new clean air strategy to tackle air pollution.
Air pollution is the fourth biggest threat to public health after cancer, obesity and heart disease and the new government strategy sets out how the UK will go further and faster than the EU in reducing human exposure to particulate matter pollution.
The new strategy, which is out to consultation until 14 August, sets out a number of proposed measures including:
• Giving local councils new powers to improve air quality
• New legislation to ensure only the cleanest domestic fuels will be available for sale, preventing 8,000 tonnes of harmful particulate matter from entering the atmosphere each year.
• Research and development into new standards for tyres and brakes to enable address toxic non-exhaust emissions of micro plastics from vehicles which can pollute air and water.
• Providing a personal air quality messaging system to inform the public, particularly those who are vulnerable to air pollution, about the air quality forecast, providing clearer information on air pollution episodes and accessible health advice.
Councillor James Airey said: “Air quality has steadily improved over the last eight years, but air pollution continues to damage health, our economy and our environment. That is why I encourage people in our area to contribute to this important consultation on the Government’s new clean air strategy.”
People can take part in the draft Clean Air Strategy consultation online at:
https://consult.defra.gov.uk/environmental-quality/clean-air-strategy-consultation/