The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has recognised East Herts Council’s Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) as an example of best practice.
The council’s plan is now included on DEFRA’s website to help other councils develop their own approaches to improving air quality.
East Herts is one of 236 councils in the UK which have been required to develop an AQAP for areas where air quality does not meet national clean air standards. These areas are known as Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs). There are three in East Herts: Hockerill Junction in Bishop’s Stortford, Gascoyne Way in Hertford and London Road in Sawbridgeworth.
Councillor Tim Hoskin, East Herts Executive Member for Sustainability, said: “We are delighted that DEFRA has endorsed our approach and the actions we are taking. Air pollution is bad for human health, so tackling these air pollution hot spots and improving air quality for everyone who lives in, works in or travels through East Herts is a top priority.”
The East Herts AQAP covers the period 2024-29 and sets out four key priorities:
• To reduce the impact of traffic levels and congestion on air quality
• To mitigate the impact of future growth on air quality
• To supporting residents in making active travel choices
• To reduce the council’s own impact on air quality.
Action taken so far includes:
• The introduction of smart traffic light management at Hockerill Junction to promote traffic flow and minimise engine idling
• Replacing the council’s fleet of diesel vans with e-cars
• Working with schools and businesses through the council’s DEFRA funded Breathe Clean initiative to improve understanding of what contributes to air pollution and to promote active travel alternatives
• Anti-idling signage in East Herts car parks and banners outside schools
• The introduction of the strictest emissions standards in Hertfordshire for taxis
• The installation of Airscan monitors in the three AQMAs to provide real-time information on the polluting gases and particulates in the atmosphere, giving residents the chance to plan their journeys more effectively sustainably.
• Collaboration with Hertfordshire County Council to develop a local walking and cycling infrastructure plan, explore how to minimise congestion, promote public transport and encourage electric car uptake.
East Herts Council’s AQAP is available in full here.
PIC-East Herts Council
