Agenda item

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Environmental Services which sought to update the Sub-Committee on the latest developments on air quality in Oldham and across Greater Manchester. The Sub-Committee had previously reviewed this matter in January and July 2018. 

The Head of Public Protection attended the meeting to present the report and to address the enquiries of the Sub-Committee.

It was explained that Oldham Council had been requested by the Government to undertake a feasibility studyto develop a list of measures to reduce nitrogen dioxide exceedance on a stretch of Oldham’s bypass, the A62, in the shortest possible time. The feasibility study had been completed and submitted to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) at the end of July 2018. The final version of the study would be published on 5^th October 2018 and it would include the work completed by other local authorities in the North West.

The shortlist of measures identified as part of the Oldham’s feasibility study were outlined. However, they had been discounted on the basis of lack of deliverability. None of the measures outlined were able to achieve compliance with the required reduction in nitrogen dioxide by 2021 on the stretch of road in question. Although the measures would not be taken forward as part of the feasibility study, some of them would still be implemented locally. Other measures would be progressed by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).

It was stressed that a national initiative was necessary in order to change people’s behaviour and to improve air quality. Locally driven plans would naturally be very limited in their impact due to the scale of changes needed.

Some questions that had been raised previously by Members of the Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee were answered:

-       It was confirmed that areas within a 50 metres radius form the road side were exposed to traffic related emissions; 

-       Trees and foliage had the capacity to absorb fine particulate air pollution which had an adverse effect on health. However, position and species of trees were very important in order to reduce particulate matter.

-        Air pollution reduced with height.

With regard to the approach to air quality across Greater Manchester, Members were informed that the regional feasibility study was being led by TfGM and it incorporated the Greater Manchester Air Quality Action Plan. The regional feasibility study had to be submitted by December 2018. A consultation process was currently taking place across Greater Manchester on the measures outlined in the draft regional feasibility study.  A communication plan was in place to highlight the link between health and air quality and to emphasise the need for change in people’s behaviour (i.e.: active travelling, cycling, use of public transport, etc.). Another proposal would be standardising taxi licenses across Greater Manchester in order to control vehicle age and gas emissions.

Members sought and received clarification / commented on the following points:

-       Proposed measures to address air quality and their sustainability in the current financial climate – how could the Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee support the proposals outlined in the local and regional feasibility study? – it was explained that it was necessary to wait for TfGM’s submission of the regional feasibility study, subject to the agreement of the ten local authorities in Greater Manchester.

-       Clear air zones, diesel and approach taken in some European cities such as Frankfurt – It was explained that this needed to be done in conjunction with other measures so that people had choices.

RESOLVED that:

1.    The summary of the outcome so far of the Oldham’s local feasibility study be noted;

2.    The response to the questions raised at Health Scrutiny in July 2018 in relation to the local feasibility study be noted;

3.    The updates on the regional approach to air quality across Greater Manchester, being led by Transport for Greater Manchester be noted.

4.    A progress report be presented in January 2019 with the view to draw the matter to the attention of the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Members;

5.    Air quality be added to the Mayor’s Healthy Living Campaign with the view to have a coordinated approach to investigate the issue.