You often can’t see it or smell it, but there are areas of Bath and North East Somerset (Bathnes) that suffer from high levels of air pollution caused by vehicle emissions.

Everyone will benefit from cleaner air, so we’re on a mission to reduce air pollution in the fastest possible time.

But we can’t tackle the problem alone. 

Clean air is everyone’s responsibility, so here you’ll find all you need to know about Bath’s air pollution, including what we’re doing to help and what you can do to cut your own NO₂ contribution.

The 'Big Walk and Cycle Event'  - Clean Air Day 2021

On Thursday 17 June, we’re urging everyone to give their car a day off, and to pledge to walk or cycle to their destination instead! If you can’t walk or cycle, take the bus or train instead of your car or at least share your car journey into the city.  

How to take part in the Big Walk and Cycle event:

• Download a pledge card using this Dropbox link, or if that doesn’t work, go to www.cleanairday.org.uk (Free resources/Individuals)
• Take a photo of your pledge to take part e.g. ‘I pledge to cycle to work today!’
• Share your pledge on social media in the run up to Clean Air Day, using hashtags #CleanAirDay and #BathActiveTravel  
• On 17 June, remember to walk or cycle to work and share your stories on social
• Get together with friends or colleagues to really make an impact.

 

What’s causing air pollution?

• We measure and test for different types of pollution in Bathnes, but we only have a problem with Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂), which is caused by vehicle emissions

• In Bathnes, diesel vehicles are the biggest contributors to NO₂ pollution

 

What’s the harm?

High levels of NO₂ can cause:

• Inflammation of the airways, coughing and shortness of breath (short-term exposure)

• Worsening of existing lung or heart conditions – including asthma and bronchitis

• Increased susceptibility to allergens and respiratory infections 

Unfortunately, poor air quality in Bathnes is harmful to our most vulnerable residents - children, elderly people and those already unwell. For example,12,000 people in the area suffer from asthma, and high levels of pollution can trigger attacks. 

Research also links high levels of NO₂ with increased possibility of heart attack and dementia, and reduced lung development in children.

 

Where is the pollution?

• There are several locations in the city of Bath where air pollution (specifically NO₂) exceeds legal limits. This is also the case in Temple Cloud, Farrington Gurney, Keynsham High Street and sections of the A4 in Saltford. It’s particularly bad in built up areas.

• While roadside readings are high, drivers and passengers inside cars are exposed to up to 12 times more pollution than those outside, due to trapped fumes circulating inside the vehicle.

 

What’s the Council doing about air pollution?

We’re working hard to combat air pollution across the area, monitoring roadside emissions, setting up air quality management areas and taking action where required, such as introducing our cycle hire schemes, installing more electric vehicle charge points, and supporting bus operators to retrofit buses to lower their emissions.

We’re also working closely with employers, schools, colleges and universities to encourage more sustainable travel.

Find out more at www.bathnes.gov.uk/airquality

Most importantly, we have introduced a Clean Air Charging Zone (CAZ) in Bath charging all higher emission vehicles except private cars.

 

Climate Emergency 

On 14 March, Bath & North East Somerset Council passed a resolution to declare a Climate Emergency, as other councils have done in recent months.  The resolution can be found here. There is an urgent need to rapidly cut carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels, including from travel and transport.  

We’d love your support and one way you can help is by swapping to more sustainable transport. You’ll find lots of information below on clean, green ways to get around to cut your carbon emissions.

 

How to cut your NO₂ contribution

Want to change your travel habits to get clean air for Bath & North East Somerset? 

The most obvious ways to cut your contribution to air pollution are to:

• Reduce the number of trips you make by car
• Turn your engine off while you wait
• Choose a lower-emission car or van
• Use public transport and walk, scoot or cycle when you can!
• Try the Park & Ride to get into central Bath
• Share your commute by car
• Consider a car club instead of investing in a car

 

More tips and support