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Responding to the Government’s air quality plan published today, Cllr Martin Tett, Local Government Association Environment spokesman, said:
“Councils want to switch their focus from simply monitoring air quality to improving air quality. It is right that the Government’s plan recognises the vital role councils have to play in achieving this and we are also pleased it recognises our call for extra funding for local authorities to tackle air quality. Councils now need to see more details to make sure these plans are as effective as possible.
“Councils’ ability to understand the causes behind air quality issues in their areas is unique, because it is rooted in their unique understanding of their communities. That is why it is important that councils will have the flexibility to deliver their own plans to improve air quality in their areas, particularly with regard to clean air zones as well as expanded road and traffic measures. We have been calling for this for some time.
“We also continue to call on government to introduce a national diesel scrappage scheme to get more polluting vehicles off the road. This immediate intervention could help increase the uptake of lower emission vehicles.”
