Prepare draft Air Quality Action Plan Document
Whilst the source apportionment work and AQAP steering group meetings are progressing, the draft air quality action plan can begin to be drafted. In terms of the requirements of the air quality action plan document itself, Section 6.2 of LAQM.PG(S)(16) provides the following guidance regarding what must be included within an AQAP:
- Quantification of the source contributions to the predicted exceedences of the objectives; this will allow the action plan measures to be effectively targeted;
- Evidence that all available options have been considered on the grounds of cost effectiveness and feasibility;
- How the local authority will use its powers and also work in conjunction with other organisations in pursuit of the air quality objectives;
- Clear timescales in which the authority and other organisations and agencies propose to implement the measures within its plan;
- Quantification of the expected impacts of the proposed measures and, where possible, an indication as to whether the measures will be sufficient to meet the objectives; and
- How the local authority intends to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the plan.
Most of these requirements are considered at earlier stages of this action planning resource flowchart and the findings of which should feed directly into the draft action plan.
The LAQM.PG(S)(16) also outlines that there is no requirement to provide detailed background on the local authority’s duties under Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 in the introduction to the action plan, as much of this information will be readily available in the authority’s earlier LAQM reports. However, as the draft Air Quality Action Plan must be subject to public consultation, most authorities include details on the drivers and requirements of the LAQM process and also some information regarding the need to develop an Air Quality Action Plan.
As long as the authority’s draft action plan fulfils the requirements outlined above, there is no set format for the structure and supporting content. However, one aspect which is useful to include within the plan are 1 or more summary tables which can be readily reviewed and updated for reporting progress on the implementation of the plan with future LAQM Progress Reports.
Before starting, the authority may wish to review existing action plans that have been prepared by authorities across Scotland to consider their structure and methodologies. Some examples of air quality action plans produced by local authorities in Scotland can be found below:
| Authority and AQAP | Date | Examples of Good Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Fife Council – Bonnygate | 2015 - update | A good overall approach. A good example of an authority taking a thorough approach in developing an action plan which includes detail on transport policy and sustainable travel. The Council has also formally updated the original Action Plan produced in 2010 to maintain progress in improving air quality Fife 2013 Action Plan (PDF) |
| North Lanarkshire Council – Action Plan | 2013-2016 | A good example of an action plan developed to address air pollution in multiple air quality management areas within on document. North Lanarkshire Council Action Plan (PDF) |
| City of Edinburgh Council – Action Plan Progress Report | 2015 | The report provides a detailed update on progress achieved for measures contained in the AQAP and City of Edinburgh Council's Local Transport Strategy Edinburgh 2015 Action Plan (PDF) |
A selection of other Action Plans and Action Plan Progress Reports are also available in: http://www.scottishairquality.co.uk/laqm/aqma
