Public feedback sought on Air Quality Action Plans
People who live, work or play in Adur are being asked to have their say on plans to improve the quality of air across the district.
The proposals form part of Adur District Council’s Air Quality Action Plan, which sets out a range of measures intended to improve the standard of air in the area.
Included in the report are potential steps to better manage traffic flow and reduce idling time for vehicles, which the Council would support through the delivery of any future agreed improvements to the A259/A283 Norfolk Bridge roundabout.
Also to be considered are plans to expand the number of car clubs, collaborate with bus operators to introduce ultra-low emission vehicles into the local bus fleet, increase the number of EV charging stations across the area, improve sustainable and active travel infrastructure and more.
As well as enhancing the environment for the whole district, the Council is committed to improving air quality in High Street, Shoreham, the A259, which has been designated as an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) since 2005.
Adur has two areas classified as AQMAs, High Street in Shoreham and Old Shoreham Road in Southwick as they failed to comply with legal limits of Nitrogen Dioxide. However, steps are being taken to revoke the AQMA status in Southwick following many years of compliance with legal requirements.
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) is linked to respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis, and is commonly caused by vehicles with petrol or diesel engines.
To address the air quality issue on Shoreham’s busy High Street and encourage cleaner air across the area, the Council, pending public feedback, hopes to start rolling out some of their proposed measures later this year.
The Council also plans to introduce a series of campaigns to help locals and visitors understand how they can make a difference in lowering the area’s emissions.
Actions being undertaken to improve Shoreham
Cllr Kevin Boram, Adur’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing, said: “In recent years, we’ve taken great steps forward to make our district cleaner, more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
“Given the importance of Shoreham High Street as a strategic route along the coast, it’s more challenging to make the gains in air quality we want to make, but we are determined, working hard and delivering innovative projects to help make a difference in combating air pollution and climate change – not only by delivering our initiatives, but by also working closely with West Sussex County Council and others.
“As an example, our strategic plan for the redevelopment of the Shoreham Harbour Quarter includes segregated paths for both walkers and cyclists along the A259. This proposal is currently under consultation by the County Council.”
“The proposals featured in our Air Quality Action Plan are a great step towards an even cleaner and greener Shoreham, and we look forward to hearing your views.”
The updated Air Quality Action Plan has been created in partnership with West Sussex County Council, who will also help to deliver some of the actions.
To view the draft Air Quality Action Plan and have your say on the proposals, visit: www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/adur-aqap-consultation
The consultation closes at midnight on Sunday 5th March 2023. Adur District Council aims to deliver these improvements between 2023 and 2027.
