Leeds City Council has now formally revoked five of its Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) – neighbourhoods previously identified as failing to meet clean air standards.
The council took this decision after comprehensive monitoring has shown air quality to be within the UK guidelines for a number of years.
The AQMAs were initially declared between 2001 and 2017 as areas where the annual average nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels exceeded legal limits.
The five areas are:
- Ebor Gardens in Burmantofts
- Caspar Apartments in Little London
- The Normans in Kirkstall
- The Tilburys in Holbeck
- Chapel Hill in Morley
A sixth AQMA, covering Main Street in Pool-in-Wharfedale, met air quality objectives for the first time in 2023 so will remain in place to allow for continued assessment.
Monitoring will also continue at the locations of the revoked AQMAs for the foreseeable future to ensure levels stay compliant
Executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, Mohammed Rafique, said: “It is fantastic news that air quality in some of our most congested areas has improved to such an extent that these AQMAs – some of which date back over 20 years – have now been formally revoked.
“This continues the long-term trend in Leeds where air quality has significantly improved in recent years, thanks to a truly city-wide effort, which has seen major changes in travel and transport as well advances in air quality monitoring and a focus on public health outcomes.
“It is vitally important that we all do what we can to improve air quality. As a council we will lead by example and – through our ambitious and wide-ranging Leeds Air Quality Strategy – continue to drive down pollution levels further to make Leeds a healthier, better place to live.”
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