Two drop-in events have been arranged for the public and local businesses to have their say on the draft Chester city centre Air Quality Action Plan before a 12 week consultation closes on 16 February 2020.
The events will take place in the Chester Meeting Rooms at the Chester Quaker Meeting House in Union Walk (off Frodsham Street) from 2pm to 7.30pm on 6 and 13 February.
The Council has been monitoring air pollution levels in and around Chester city centre for a number of years. Generally air quality in Chester is good except in an area surrounding the city centre where monitored nitrogen dioxide (N02) levels have been consistently above the national annual objective. Consequently, on 23 May 2017, the Council declared the whole of Chester city centre and stretches of major approach roads leading to the city an Air Quality Management Area.
The main source of the pollution is traffic emissions and the Council has been exploring measures to reduce these emissions. Environmental specialists have reviewed the area on the Council’s behalf and suggested solutions.
The draft Action Plan (2020-2022) proposes a range of measures to improve air quality and the Council wishes to consult with the residents, businesses and other key stakeholders within and around Chester city centre.
Councillor Karen Shore, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport said: “The measures proposed in the draft Action Plan are designed to improve local air quality but there is also potential for some of them to impact on local residents and businesses.
“The draft Plan includes measures aimed at increasing the use of public transport, as well as proposals to encourage car sharing and to promote the uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles. So, we want to know views on these ideas, as well as any additional suggestions for improving air quality in and around the city centre.
“I encourage everyone to come along to the drop-in events, you are welcome to call in anytime between 2pm and 7.30pm, or view the documents online, to give us your views and consider how you can be part of the solution.”
The 12 week consultation on the plan’s proposals closes on 16 February 2020.
The Council has committed to take rapid action to tackle the Climate Emergency and support the borough as a whole to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045 or earlier. Measures to improve air quality, such as increased uptake of public transport and the adoption of ultra-low emissions vehicles will contribute to limiting greenhouse gas emissions, which is central to the Council’s response to the declaration of a Climate Emergency.
There are several other ways to give your views on the Chester city centre Air Quality Action Plan before 16 February:
- Read the consultation document on the Council’s website
- Email: environmentalprotection@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
- Write to the Environmental Protection Team, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Wyvern House, The Drumber, Winsford, Cheshire. CW7 1AH
- Paper copies of the consultation documentation are available upon request by contacting the Environmental Protection Team by email or else by phone 0300 123 7038
Published 4th Feb 2020
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