Consider all available measures
When preparing an air quality action plan, steering groups should initially undertake a provisional evaluation of all possible measures that could improve air quality within their AQMA(s). This provisional evaluation is required to demonstrate that the authority has considered all possible options when developing the plan. The list of all possible measures will be somewhat specific to the AQMA in question and the sources which it is targeting, however, a list of measures commonly considered within action plans can be found in the table below.
When developing the initial list of measures for initial evaluation, the steering group should use local knowledge but also information generated by the source apportionment exercise. The aim of the action planning process is to identify and prioritise practicable, feasible and acceptable actions/measures that have the potential to improve air quality within the AQMA. Importantly, the review of existing local policy should feed into this process, as it may identify measures that are being progressed through ongoing work which could be incorporated or modified to help support the objectives of the air quality action plan.
The Policy Guidance LAQM.PG(S)(16) states that Air Quality Action Plans must focus on ‘effective, feasible, proportionate and quantifiable measures’ and provide ‘evidence that all available options have been considered on the grounds of cost effectiveness and feasibility’.
By discussing each of the initial list of all possible measures within the steering group and documenting reasons for exclusion or inclusion for further evaluation, it is should be possible to develop an initial short-list of measures for further evaluation.
Example measures for initial consideration
Some examples of measures that could be considered when developing an Air Quality Action Plan are provided in the list below, however, the circumstances of each AQMA are usually site specific and a comprehensive list of options for consideration within the action plan should be developed by the Steering Group.
Options
Strategic Actions
- Improving links with Local Transport Strategy
- Improving links with Local Planning and Development framework
- Supplementary Planning Guidance/Air Quality Guidance note for Developers
- Improved signage – AQMA signs
- Road user charging and workplace levy
Move receptors away from AQMA
- Remove homes and businesses
Move sources away from AQMA
- Low Emission Zone
- Selective Vehicle Routing
- Relief Road
- Local ban on freight, car or bus traffic
- Pedestrianisation
Optimise how sources transit the AQMA
- Traffic signal phasing
- Changes to pedestrian crossings/bus stops
- Changes to junction layouts
- Speed controls
- Commercial deliveries – loading/unloading restrictions
- Urban Clearway
Reduce the emissions from sources by technical means
- Development of a Local Bus Quality Partnership
- Taxi Quality Partnership
- Encourage Private and Public Operators to pursue cleaner vehicles and abatement
- Green Procurement (Council) – Council fleets and contract vehicles
- Eco-driving training policy
- Fleet/fuel monitoring
- Monitoring new technology/fuel additives
- Vehicle emissions testing
- Idling vehicle enforcement
- Retrofitting Council Fleet
- Freight quality partnerships
- Development of infrastructure for cleaner vehicle fuels
- Parking Management and Control
- Planning conditions policy
- Lobby for additional national policy
- Vehicle scrappage incentives
Reduce the emissions from sources by means of encouraging better travel choices/behavioural change
- Provision of information regarding air quality and travel options
- Promotion of alternative modes (cycling + walking)
- Travel Plans for large institutions and businesses
- Road use charging and workplace parking levy
- Bus lane
- Home Energy Efficiency
- Environmental Nuisance (including Bonfires)
