FULFORD RESIDENTS CHOOSE TO EXTEND AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT AREA (York Liberal Democrats)

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

FULFORD RESIDENTS CHOOSE TO EXTEND AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT AREA

March 24, 2010 12:00 AM

A consultation with Fulford residents about plans to improve the air quality in the area has seen the majority of those responding backing a plan to set up an Air Quality Management Area along the length of Fulford Road and Main Street.

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.

Residents had been given three options for the size of AQMA ranging from the minimum legally required size to a larger option covering Fulford Road and Main Street.

70% of those responding to the survey in the January edition of the Your Ward newsletter preferred the largest option.

A legal process will now begin to designate the AQMA, after which an action plan will be drawn up to help improve air quality in the area.

Local Liberal Democrat Councillor Keith Aspden said it would be important for local residents and businesses to get involved in the process of drawing up the action plan. He said, ""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."

"Therefore the Council needs to make sure that it involves residents and local businesses in every stage of the process to make sure that any changes have the support of local people and are practical and workable."

"I will be working closely with Council officers to ensure the management plan meets the needs of local residents and businesses."