Air pollution caused by vehicles on two roads in Knaresborough and Ripon has improved and now meets national limits, according to North Yorkshire Council.
Air pollution caused by vehicles on two roads in Knaresborough and Ripon has improved and now meets national limits, according to North Yorkshire Council.
It means air quality management areas, also called AQMAs, that were set up for York Place in Knaresborough and Low/High Skellgate in Ripon have been revoked.
Councils assign AQMAs to places where air pollution is particularly bad. They then set out an action plan to bring levels below the national limit for nitrogen dioxide, an air pollutant associated with transport.
Scientists have linked exposure to air pollution to a host of health impacts including asthma, heart disease and cancer.
The council monitors air pollution using the measurement µg/m3, which is the concentration of nitrogen dioxide in micrograms per cubic meter of air. The government asks that pollution levels fall below an annual mean objective of 40µg/m3.
A report that discusses the council’s work to improve air quality will be discussed by councillors on the Selby & Ainsty area constituency committee on Friday.
A council spokesperson gave several reasons for the improving air quality.
These include an increase in the use of electric vehicles, educational programmes in schools, retrofitting of local buses with cleaner technology and general improvements in vehicle emissions.
According to council monitoring, air quality has improved across the Harrogate area since the Covid-19 pandemic.
North Yorkshire Council’s assistant director for regulatory services, Callum McKeon, said:
“It is mandatory to declare AQMAs if pollutant levels exceed objective concentrations dictated by the Government’s UK Air Quality Strategy and implemented by the Air Quality (England) Regulations 2000 (2002 as amended).
“The AQMAs at York Place, Knaresborough and Low/High Skellgate, Ripon were created due to the nitrogen dioxide annual mean objective of 40µg/m3 associated with traffic pollution being exceeded.
“Monitoring undertaken by the council has shown that the air quality objectives at the above locations have not been exceeded and as it is a requirement to revoke an AQMA if pollutant levels fall below the objective level for five consecutive years, we must revoke these two AQMAs.
“This does not mean that these areas will be ignored – monitoring will continue to ensure that the measures taken continue to be effective and that air quality standards continue to be achieved.”
Route timings revealed for Knaresborough Tractor Run
Pilot dies following aircraft crash near Masham, police confirm
Ripon's Portly Pig to host charity football tournament
Council to review parking charges across North Yorkshire
Free packed lunches at Starbeck café feed families in need
Harrogate dentist recognised at national dental awards
Knaresborough beeswax candle shop set to close
Harrogate Town launches new half-time crossbar challenge
Queen and ABBA tribute acts to headline Harrogate Beer Festival
Ripon entrepreneur to appear on Dragon's Den
Harrogate figures to be 'jailed' to raise money for Harrogate Theatre
Harrogate bookshop named as finalist for British Book Awards
Council update on operator of Alpamare water park
Visitor levy would be mayor's decision, says senior councillor
Date announced for return of Harrogate dog show
Harrogate's Italian community donates sensory kits worth £1,200 to Harrogate Hospital
Man taken to Leeds General infirmary following aircraft crash in Masham
Six arrested following car theft in Harrogate
FULL CHAT: Local occupational therapist hosts online masterclass to support new mums
Harrogate businesses reject new accommodation BID proposal
