Local councils in the UK will have a new framework to improve air quality, under plans announced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) today.
Using powers in the Environment Act, National Highways is to become the first designated ‘Relevant Public Authority’ placing a legal requirement on it to work together with local councils when necessary to take effective action to deliver air-quality standards and objectives.
While National Highways currently works with local authorities to improve air quality, the statutory requirement, which was consulted on earlier this year, will reportedly see a more consistent approach to meeting local air-quality objectives on road networks.
In addition to this, DEFRA has updated Local Air Quality Management policy guidance to reflect legislative changes introduced through the Environment Act 2021 and clarify roles and responsibilities within local government.
UK environment minister Steve Double said: “These changes – delivered by our Environment Act – provide a strengthened framework for local councils to meet their air quality objectives, and will ensure that communities are protected sooner with real improvements to the air we breathe.”
The amended guidance includes a new requirement for local Air Quality Action Plans to include a timeline of clear actions, and the requirement for an Air Quality Management Area to be declared within 12 months of identifying excessive pollution.
It also includes a requirement for local authorities to produce an Air Quality Action Plan within 18 months of declaring an Air Quality Management Area.
What’s more, there is a new reminder and warning alert system to increase local council compliance with reporting on actions they are taking to improve air quality.
