Clean Air Strategy for Cornwall approved

Cornwall is set to welcome its Clean Air Strategy, which focuses on reducing the amount of nitrogen dioxide in the area.

It includes updated individual Air Quality Action Plans to improve the air quality within six of Cornwall’s Air Quality Management Areas.

The strategy also includes specific projects to help tackle air quality issues, such as: encouraging the uptake of low emission vehicles, including alternative refuelling infrastructure and electric vehicle charging; the provision of 37 brand new buses operating on routes across Cornwall, representing an 84 per cent reduction in emissions for the buses replaced; and improvements to the walking and cycling environment to encourage sustainable travel and provide a safe alternative to road transport.

The council is also reviewing its policies for selecting pool and fleet vehicles and travel planning to ensure that these support the strategy’s goals of improving air quality and reducing emissions.

Geoff Brown, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for communities, said: “The Clean Air Strategy for Cornwall provides a firm basis for Cornwall Council to improve air quality and a clear policy for future planning and local air quality management.

“It’s an important step forward in improving air quality in our seven Air Quality Management Areas for residents and visitors alike.”