Development of Air Quality Action Plan for the District of Blaby

The Problem

Concentrations of NO₂ in Blaby, a District South West of Leicester City, are forecast to exceed national and European air quality standards in residential areas along the M1 motorway and one of the radial routes leading to Leicester City Centre. Three Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) have been declared accordingly. Possible exceedence of the PM₁₀ standards are under investigation around Croft Quarry in the south of the District. If exceedences are demonstrated here it will be necessary to declare a further AQMA.

Role of EMRC

EMRC have assisted the Council in developing their air quality action plan

• Specification of objectives for the action plan
• Identification of measures for reducing emissions in the area
• Characterisation of these measures in terms of cost effectiveness, etc.
• Drafting the plan for consultation
• Discussing the plan with Council Members and officers and other interested parties, such as the Highways Agency
• Refinement of the plan following consultation.

Additional information may be found on Blaby District Council's web site, along with details on Air Quality and a copy of the Air Quality Action Plan.

Outcome

The plan is currently going through the Council and is expected to be submitted to DEFRA shortly.