Councils promise to battle on for cleaner air amid concerns over a polluted future
POLLUTION has been put to the top of the agenda in the Solent region, as local authorities vow to do all they can to make the air in the area cleaner.
Both Portsmouth City Council and Fareham Borough Council have officially backed Clean Air Day, which is taking place today.
An annual event, Clean Air Day aims to encourage people to choose a sustainable mode of transport and help combat air pollution where they live.
The event comes just days after Portsmouth City Council warned that a clean air zone could see a daily charge of £20 introduced for certain vehicles in the city – as well as concerns being raised about bus drivers leaving their engines running when stopping for a break in Copnor Road.
The threat of a clean air zone comes after the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) raised concerns about pollution ‘hotspots’ in the city including Mile End Road and near the Hope Street roundabout.
Residents who work in the city have been urged to leave their cars at home for the day, instead walking, running or cycling to work.
The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Cllr David Fuller, and deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Ben Dowling will be visiting schools for assemblies, talking to pupils about the importance of clean air.
Cabinet member for environment and climate change, Cllr Dave Ashmore, said: ‘Air pollution is a big health and environmental issue, but there are things that we can all do to make ourselves and others safer and healthier.
‘Whether you leave the car at home once or twice a week, switch to an electric vehicle or start using public transport, it all makes a difference.
‘As a council we are developing a strategy to put to government detailing how we are tackling the issue.
‘We are also seeking funding to support schemes that will help us improve air quality in Portsmouth.
‘I would encourage you to leave your car at home on Clean Air Day.’
Meanwhile in Fareham, staff from the council will be setting up an information stand in West Street today, from 10am-3pm.
The town’s council is supporting the national campaign as part of its ongoing campaign to improve the general air quality in built-up areas of the town.
Parts of Fareham have been highlighted by the government as being likely to exceed nitrogen dioxide levels by 2020.
This includes the road from the Delme roundabout through Eastern and Western Way and onto the A27, including the A32 Market Quay, through and onto the A27 Portchester Road.
Fareham Borough Council has been given £4.1m by the government to improve walking and cycling infrastructure, upgrade old diesel taxi cars and improve traffic signals on Market Quay.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Burn Right and Walking for Health will also be at the information stand in West Street.
Councillor Trevor Cartright, Fareham Borough Council’s executive member for health and public protection, said: ‘Clean Air Day is a great opportunity for us all to stop and look at how we can make changes to our lives to look after the environment.
‘Please come along and visit our stand to find out what we’re doing in Fareham to tackle the issue of air quality and find out more about Clean Air Day.’