READING Borough Council has launched a consultation on its plan to tackle air pollution and improve air quality in the town.
The council has published its proposals in the Air Quality Action Plan, which outlines how it aims to improve air quality as part of a five-year strategy.
Measures will focus on removing nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulates and their sources, with particular emphasis on PM2.5 particulates.
These are non-gas particles in the air which are smaller than micrometres in diameter, which are able to enter the bloodstream, and other parts of the body, via the lungs due to their small size.
While the council says that air quality is improving, there are areas in town which it says do not meet UK and World Health Organisation targets.
The plans will target those areas as well as aiming to make improvements across the borough.
This includes the introduction of a borough-wide Smoke Control Area, providing guidance for construction sites and projects, continued implementation of electric vehicle infrastructure, and a number of public awareness programmes.
The previous plan saw the opening of Green Park train station, expansion of public transport and cycling routes, investment in hybrid buses, and reduced levies for taxis with ultra-low or no emissions.
Around 50% of the particulates in the air in the UK come from human activity, such as the burning of wood and the use of vehicles.
Cllr John Ennis, lead councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said: “We are moving in the right direction with air quality improvements in Reading but there are still locations in the town where levels of air pollution are too high.
“The previous Air Quality Action Plan focused on reducing Nitrogen Oxide emissions in line with national guidance and this plan will continue on that course. However, the new plan will also place considerable emphasis on targeting harmful Particulate Matter, PM2.5, emissions.”
“Air pollution is associated with several serious health conditions and particularly affects the most vulnerable in our communities, such as children and older people and those with heart and lung conditions.
“The Council is committed to reducing Reading residents’ exposure to poor air quality to improve their health. We need to continue to work together to achieve this and would appreciate residents’ comments on the new Air Quality Action Plan during this consultation period.”
Consultation on the Air Quality Action Plan closes on Wednesday, January 17, next year.
It runs concurrently with the Local Plan Update, which ends at the end on Wednesday, January 31.
Full details of the plan and how to take part in the consultation are available via: consult.reading.gov.uk/dens/air-quality-action-plan-2024-2029-consultation/
