South Oxfordshire District Council Air Quality Action Plan

 

South Oxfordshire District Council produced the Henley-on-Thames Air Quality Action Plan in May 2007.

 

It reported, “Air quality monitoring has identified high levels of nitrogen dioxide in some areas of Henley-on-Thames.

 

“Because the levels exceed the Government’s national target for nitrogen dioxide, the council has declared parts of the town an Air Quality Management Area.”

 

The Action Plan identified actions that can be explored and will improve air quality. They are:

 

• An Integrated Transport Strategy (ITS) for the town centre
• Sustainable travel to work/school
• Cycling initiatives
• Advice to residents and business on ways they can improve air quality
• Planning initiatives
• Idling vehicle enforcement
• Parking enforcement/initiatives
• Use of alternative fuels
• Improvements to public transport
• Restricting types of vehicular access.

 

Work on some of the actions highlighted in the plan, such as the Integrated Transport Strategy and the school travel plans, are already underway, with the remainder being currently implemented or on target to be implemented in the near future.

 

The Action Plan was developed in consultation with residents, businesses and local and national organisations before publication of the plan, which will be reviewed annually.

 

The plan can be viewed on www.southoxon.gov.uk then go to environment and then air pollution. A report providing further information on the progress made in implementing the Action Plan will be available from June 2008 on www.southoxon.gov.uk.

 

Comments on the Action Plan or suggestions on other ways of improving air quality will be welcomed from any organisations or members of the public and should be sent to info@southoxon.co.uk.