Introduction

The Local air quality management process, legislated through the Environment Act Part IV requires local authorities to review and assess current and future air quality in their localities against health based objectives for seven pollutants.  Where it is predicted that these objectives will not be met, and relevant public exposure exists, the local authority must declare an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). 

Following Stage 3 review and assessment, Bath and North East Somerset declared an AQMA for nitrogen dioxide along the A4 London Road.  From the results of The Stage 4 (further assessment) monitoring and modelling it was recommended that the original AQMA was extended to include Bathwick Street and widened from 7m to 70m from the centre of the road.

Once an AQMA has been declared Local Authorities are required to prepare a written Action Plan for a AQMA which states their intentions for working towards the air quality objectives through the use of the powers they have available.

A consultation exercise was undertaken to gain feedback and comments on the Bath and North East Somerset Draft Air Quality Action Plan which has 3 specific and 14 wider actions to improve air quality.  The consultation exercise began on November 1st 2004 and ran for 7 weeks until December 20th 2004.  Copies of the full technical document were sent to the statutory consultees, local resident’s association’s and were made available at local libraries and council offices.  Summary documents were distributed throughout the AQMA and to non statutory consultees.   A feedback questionnaire was also widely distributed and available on the internet throughout this time.  The Bath & North East Somerset team made themselves available to attend meetings on request and held a public meeting on Nov 25th which was chaired by Sir Elgar Jenkins OBE (Executive Member for Transport and Highways)