Skip to content

Council air quality plan could be a breath of fresh air

Published
Gloucester City Council is looking at ways to improve the city’s air quality and would like to hear the views of residents.

The city council is reviewing its Air Quality Action Plan and is inviting local people to share their views on measures to reduce air pollution.

Breathing in polluted air is the biggest environmental risk to public health and costs the NHS and society billions every year.

Air pollution is a factor in heart disease and cancer and can cause a range of health problems.

Over recent years there has been a fall of harmful emissions in the city in line with national trends.

This is thought to be due to drivers replacing older vehicles with newer ‘cleaner’ models and more people working from home.

The Gloucester Air Quality Action Plan includes a range of measures that the council proposes to use to tackle air pollution, working with local partners.

Key proposals include:

  • Encouraging developers to include electric vehicle charging points in all new homes.
  • Expanding cycling infrastructure, such as new cycle lanes and one-way systems.
  • Supporting the introduction of e-scooter and bike-sharing schemes to reduce traffic emissions.

The review will also look at expanding the city’s smoke control area to limit the use of harmful fuels.

Burning the correct fuels at home means that households will use less fuel, reduce the risk of chimney fires, and lower the exposure to smoke and carbon monoxide, which can be harmful.

Councillor Sebastian Field, Cabinet member for Environment at Gloucester City Council, said: “I would urge people to let us know their views on this very important issue. Air quality is something that affects all of us, especially those who are particularly vulnerable. While it is great to see that air quality is improving, there is always more we can do on this important issue."

You have until February 28 to share your views at   Have Your Say Today - Your Gloucester - Commonplace