Local authorities in the UK have statutory duties for managing local air quality under Part lV of the Environment Act 1995. The UK is legally required to meet EU limit values for a number of pollutants and local measures are one of the most important means of achieving this.
Role of district councils
In Cambridgeshire, the city and district councils are required to carry out regular reviews and assessments of air quality in their area against standards and objectives in regulations. If air quality is found to breach the regulations they must create an action plan to deal with this.
Information on air quality around the county can be found on the city and district council websites below:
Cambridge City Council
South Cambridgeshire District Council
East Cambridgeshire District Council
Huntingdonshire District Council
Fenland District Council
This information includes
- Pollution and monitoring data
- Identification of Air Quality Management Areas (Cambridge City, Fenland, Huntingdonshire, South Cambridgeshire)
- Air quality reports
- Policy Information
Role of the county council
As the Highways Authority the county council plays a crucial role in helping to achieve air quality objectives, particularly since in Cambridgeshire the major source of air pollution is motor vehicle emissions. The county council inputs to the review and assessment process and the preparation of action plans as action to improve air quality needs to be properly co-ordinated with the Local Transport Plan. Measures that can be used to improve air quality include
- Road traffic regulations orders which can prohibit, restrict or regulate traffic or particular types of vehicle along a part of a road, a whole road or a number of roads
- Traffic management measures to improve travel behaviour by encouraging walking, cycling and use of public transport
- Working with bus companies to ensure improved bus emissions
- Producing residential, workplace and school travel plans
Role of the Environment Agency
The Environment Agency regulates the release of pollutants from large and complex industrial processes, including some large-scale food processing factories, and pig and poultry rearing activities.
Role of DEFRA
Defra oversees and guides UK policy on air quality. Through the national air quality strategy it sets out a way forward for work and planning on air quality issues, details objectives to be achieved, and proposes measures to help reach them.
Guidance for businesses
Netregs gives free environmental information for businesses and guidance on what you need to do to comply with environmental law and protect the environment.