What is the problem?

 

South Oxfordshire District Council has monitored the quality of the air in Henley since 1997. In some parts of town it has repeatedly recorded levels of nitrogen dioxide that exceed government standards for the “protection of people living in an area,” but not for people working in or walking through the same area.

 

The major source of nitrogen dioxide in Henley is road traffic, with the highest levels found in Duke Street, in the town centre.  This is made worse by the canyon effect of a narrow road, with tall buildings on either side that prevent the dispersal of pollutants.

 

The elevated level of pollution led to the creation of the Henley-on-Thames Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). This recognises and highlights where the worst areas of town are, and triggers an action plan to put together a package of measures to try and improve air quality over the coming years.

 

 

As well as Duke Street the AQMA includes Hart Street, the Market Place and Bell Street to the New Street junction. It also encompasses Greys Road to the Albert Road junction, Friday Street to the Queens Road junction and Reading Road to the Station Road junction.

 

The action plan will contain some measures aimed solely at these areas. However it will also aim to bring about change and improve air quality across the town. By adopting good habits all around the town we can have a favourable impact on the air quality and benefit our own lives.