RESIDENTS HAVE THEIR SAY ON FULFORD AIR QUALITY PLAN (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

RESIDENTS HAVE THEIR SAY ON FULFORD AIR QUALITY PLAN

February 26, 2010 12:00 AM

Fulford residents had until today (26th February) to have their say on how much of their local area they would like to see covered by a new Air Quality Management Area (AQMA).

Air pollution levels caused by traffic on Main Street have increased to above the Government's minimum standard so City of York Council is required to set up an AQMA.

Once the AQMA has been designated an action plan will be drawn up including measures to improve air quality in Fulford.

The AQMA must cover at least the area around the junction of Main Street and Heslington Lane, but residents are being given the option to extend the area.

The latest edition of the Fulford and Heslington Your Ward newsletter gave three options for the extent of the AQMA and asks residents to express their preference by returning the voting form to the Council's Environmental Protection Unit.

The results of the consultation are expected to be announced by the Council at the end of March.

Fulford's Liberal Democrat Councillor, Keith Aspden, had urged residents to have their say on the proposals. He said, "At this stage the consultation was focused on the extent of the management area."

"We need to take action but it is important that local people and businesses are consulted on any possible measures that may be taken."

"Fulford's conservation area will mean that there is limited scope for any fundamental changes to the road layout so we will have to think very carefully about what can be done to cut down on traffic such as cycling storage, road signage and measures to deal with HGVs."

"I would urge residents to look carefully at the proposals for the Air Quality Management Area and to let the continue to let the Council know their views. I will be following the development of the Air Quality Action Plan very closely and working to ensure the Council involves residents and local businesses at every possible stage in the process."