Council plan aims to build on fall in air pollution

Councillors at this month’s cabinet meeting will discuss the new Air Quality Action Plan that will build on the positive news about the reduction of harmful emissions in the city. 

Breathing in polluted air is the biggest environmental risk to public health according to the government and costs the NHS and society as a whole, billions each year.

Air pollution is recognised as a factor in heart disease and cancer and can cause a range of health problems and increase hospital admissions. 

Across the UK, air pollution has fallen which is thought to be mainly down to older vehicles being replaced with newer ‘cleaner’ models and more people working from home.

The five-year action plan also includes other ways the council proposes to tackle air pollution working with local partners.

It aims to encourage developers to install electric vehicle charges at all new houses, the introduction of new cycle lanes as well as one way systems, and supporting the introduction of a e-scooter or cycle schemes.

The council will also aim to raise public awareness of air pollution including the dangers of letting vehicles idle and working with schools to promote sustainable transport.

Councillor Sebastian Field, Cabinet member for Environment at Gloucester City Council, said: “Air pollution is a major issue which affects us all, but particularly the most vulnerable in society including children and the elderly. Whilst I am pleased to see air quality improving in the city, there is still much to do and I will be pushing for us to go even further, working with our partners to improve air quality in the city still more, and making Gloucester a greener and more pleasant place to live.”