Lifting of city’s air quality zone marks successful step in reducing air pollution
The air quality in Winchester city centre has improved to the extent that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has confirmed it no longer needs to be monitored as an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA.)
In place since 2003, the Air Quality Management Area means that nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels are regularly monitored and recorded.
For the last three years, since 2022, the area has met the required standards for levels of nitrogen dioxide. Another pollutant which is monitored – is known as particulate matter (PM10) - this has been under the required level for 10 years – since 2015. These particulates can be harmful to health.
The city council has recently adopted a new Air Quality Strategy which sets targets to go above and beyond UK national air quality targets.
The Strategy outlines the need to work collaboratively across the district and wider region to achieve cleaner air across the district by 2030.
So, importantly, whilst DEFRA has confirmed there is no longer a need to have an AQMA in the city centre, the city council is committed to cleaner air not only in the city, but across the district too.
The strategy, developed in partnership with the Air Quality Steering Group which includes cross-party councillors, specialist council officers and representatives for public health, the business community and the local environmental lobby, sets out a range of measures to reduce air pollution. It looks at areas such as road traffic, indoor air quality, domestic and business heating and burning, and construction and new developments.
Speaking about the lifting of the AQMA and actions set out in the new strategy, Cabinet Member for Public Protection Cllr Steve Cramoysan said:
‘It is really good news that we’re recording cleaner air in Winchester and the lifting of the air quality management area demonstrates that by taking action and working together on targeted initiatives, it can really make a difference.
We know that focusing on cleaner air – both inside and outside our homes – can significantly improve our health.
We’re proud that air quality has improved, but this won’t make us complacent. We have ambitious plans in place to not only continue to improve the air quality in the city, but across the district too – we have made this commitment not just for now, but for our children and grandchildren’s futures too.’
To find out more about the recently adopted strategy, visit www.winchester.gov.uk/environment/air-quality