The national framework - delivering good air quality

The Borough Council's work on Air Quality is driven by the requirements of the 1995 Environment Act that created a new system of Local Air Quality Management in the UK. This system is designed to protect peoples' health and the environment without imposing unacceptable economic or social costs. It is a key component of the Government's strategy to achieve sustainable development and is a headline indicator of progress towards this goal.

The Environment Act 1995 required the government to produce a national air quality strategy setting out policies for managing ambient air quality. The first strategy was produced in 1997, revised in 1999 and a new 'Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland' was produced in 2000, taking into account the devolution of government in the UK.

The Strategy outlined a national framework for reducing hazards to health from air pollution in the UK. It set standards and objectives for the control and reduction of eight main health-threatening pollutants to be achieved between 2003 and 2008: Benzene, 1,3-Butadiene, Carbon Monoxide, Lead, Nitrogen Dioxide, Sulphur Dioxide, Ozone and Particles (PM10). Ozone is not easily controlled by local measures, and although an objective is set within the national Strategy, it is not covered by the Local Air Quality Management system under which local authorities have to work and is instead designated for action at the national and European level. Industry, the transport sector and local authorities are identified as having a major role to play in delivering this Strategy.

Tighter Objectives set in 2003
 The UK Government and devolved administrations published an Addendum to the Air Quality Strategy in February 2003. Following a review and public consultation in 2001, the Addendum introduces tighter objectives for particles, benzene and carbon monoxide and a new objective for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Local authorities are now required to review and assess the Strategy's 2000 objectives for seven air pollutants together with the new ones.

A new review and assessment of air quality has just started, based on these new objectives.  To find out more contact:

David Spode,
Principal Environmental Health Officer,
Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council,
The Guildhall,
Frankwell Quay,
Shrewsbury,
SY3 8HQ

Tel:01743 281363 

Email: david.spode@shrewsbury.gov.uk