East Herts Council has launched a consultation on its draft Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) setting out the council’s approach to working with partners and the community to improve air quality and reduce residents’ exposure to air pollution.

Mounting scientific evidence highlights the impact of poor air quality on health. Based on local evidence, four key priorities for tackling air pollution in East Herts have been identified:

•    Reduce the impact of traffic levels and congestion on air quality
•    Mitigate the impact of future growth on air quality
•    Support residents in making active travel choices
•    Reduce East Herts Council’s own impact on air quality. 

The Air Quality Action Plan details a wide range of actions to deliver against each priority and includes installing more electrical vehicle charge points and the development of personalised travel planning for residents to encourage alternatives to car use.

Councillor Tim Hoskin, Executive Member for Environmental Sustainability at East Herts Council, said: “The council has a good track record for tackling air pollution but more still needs to be done. Whilst air pollution will mostly affect residents in Air Quality Management Areas, such as those in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertford and Sawbridgeworth, this new Action Plan is aimed at improving air quality for everyone who lives in, works in, visits or travels through East Hertfordshire. 

“This consultation period is critical to the success of the East Herts Council Air Quality Action Plan (2024 – 2029), as we cannot achieve our targets alone. Because our direct control is limited, we need the support of our local communities and every other organisation and employer in order to successfully improve air quality and reduce exposure to air pollution. 

“With your help, I am hopeful that the interventions and initiatives outlined within this action plan will reduce the impact of air pollution on the health of our local communities.”