More 20mph zones, and increased parking charges for the most-polluting cars, are among measures being considered in a bid to tackle Reading’s poor air quality.
Public Health England says health problems such as the exacerbation of asthma, lung cancer, respiratory conditions, cardiovascular disease, and strokes, can all result from pollution.
In February 2013, nine-year-old Ella Kissi-Debrah, died after an acute asthma attack in south London. In 2020, a landmark coroner’s report made Ella the first person in the world to have air pollution cited as a cause of death.
Now, Reading Borough Council is in the process of devising an Air Quality Action Plan to tackle poor air quality in the town up to 2029.
Measures are primarily focused on travel, as emissions from motor vehicles are a prime cause of harmful pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide.
Proposals include introducing more 20mph zones, charging people more for parking permits if they drive heavier polluting vehicles and reprioritising road space from cars to other methods of transport such as buses and bikes.
Supporters of the reduced speed limit say it reduces the need for acceleration and braking, which is fuel and emissions-intensive.
In terms of larger proposals, the council has also proposed charging HGVs that use Reading as a cut-through to get to and from the M4, and lobbying for a third Thames Bridge, which would require cooperation with South Oxfordshire District Council and Wokingham Borough Council.
The council is currently seeking residents’ views on its draft Air Quality Action Plan.
A consultation asks whether members of the public agree with the proposed measures mentioned above, along with other proposals, and whether residents agree with the council’s air quality priorities, which include:
Reducing road emissions throughout Reading, with emphasis placed on reducing emissions on the Inner Distribution Road (IDR)
Reducing exposures of individuals and locations where vulnerable people (children, elderly and those with cardiovascular disease) live, work or visit
Encouraging, enabling and supporting people and businesses to shift from high polluting to zero emission transport or energy options
Inform and educate people on the financial, environmental and health benefits of active travel and reducing emissions through our daily lives
Inform, educate and enforce compliance (where necessary) on domestic wood burning regulations
Improving the council monitoring network and planning requirements to support other projects and ensure new developments align with the aims of the air quality action plan.
The draft Air Quality Action Plan 2024 to 2029 was approved for consultation at a meeting of the council’s strategic environment, planning and transport committee last November.
At the time, councillor David McElroy (Green, Redlands) said: “I suggest that anyone who lives in Reading and breathes on most days participates in this consultation.”
To take part in the consultation visit the council’s Consult Reading website or emailing the council’s principal air quality officer ross.jarvis@reading.gov.uk .
The deadline for responses is Wednesday, January 17.
