News-Actions proposed to tackle air quality in Durham

Next week, our Cabinet will be asked to approve an updated Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) for Durham City.

The first Air Quality Action Plan for the city was adopted in 2016 to address levels of nitrogen dioxide which were exceeding regulated levels. The plan has now been reviewed to cover the period 2025 to 2030.

Commitment to improving air quality

Cllr Mark Wilkes, our Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, said: "The development of this action plan reflects our commitment to improving air quality across Durham City, which is beneficial for residents and visitors.

"Since the first action plan was implemented, we have been working hard to ensure that air quality levels fall within the standards set by government. In this new action plan, we will go a step further towards ensuring Durham becomes a city with cleaner air. These actions also support our wider Climate Change Emergency Response Plan, which is dedicated to reducing emissions right across the county."

The new plan

The new AQAP includes a total of 23 actions, which have been prioritised according to costs, available funding, timescale and potential benefits to air quality.

The plan has been subject to extensive consultation including a local engagement event, and statutory and public consultation.

Cabinet will hear that the actions focus on reducing emissions caused by traffic, and include:

• Encouraging more use of the Park and Ride service through increasing parking capacity, routes, and opening hours.
• Increasing the uptake of electric vehicles by providing more home charging and public charge points.
• Encouraging the public to use cleaner, more sustainable travel methods.
• Work with bus operators to track emissions of buses and explore funding for retrofitting and purchasing hybrid and electric buses.
• Reviewing the emissions of licensed taxis.
• Carrying out feasibility studies of freight and delivery vehicles operating in Durham.
• Implementing the council's Cycling and Walking Delivery Plan