Lockdown improves town air quality

AIR quality has continued to improve in a county town for the third year running with the coronavirus lockdowns noted as a significant factor.

The Air Quality – Annual Status Report 2021, published by Harborough District Council, shows that, in the Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) in Lutterworth, there was no exceeding of the annual average levels of nitrogen dioxide in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

Fewer cars on the road has been cited as a contributing factor for the continuing lower pollution levels in the last year. Other factors include the success of the HGV gating system, which allows a greater free flow of lorries through Lutterworth by controlling the traffic light sequencing.

Whilst the air quality in the Harborough district is generally good, two AQMAs have been declared in the district – in Lutterworth in 2001, and in the Kibworths in 2017 – due to levels of nitrogen dioxide exceeding the annual mean air quality objective.

As part of the air quality monitoring undertaken by the council there is a network of diffusion tubes at 34 sites across the district. In the last year, none of these have showed any falling short of the air quality objectives – with lockdowns, again, a key factor. Councillor Jonathan Bateman, Harborough District Council’s lead on air quality, said: “This report is further good news for Lutterworth, and the wider district, and it is clear that national lockdowns have contributed. However, it is crucial we continue to do all we can to maintain a cleaner and greener district.”