Medway Council has been awarded more than £279,000 government funding to help improve air quality in Medway.
The money is from the government’s annual Air Quality Grant which aims to helps councils develop and implement measures to benefit schools, businesses and communities and reduce the impact of air pollution on people’s health.
The funding will be used to install air quality sensors around the Four Elms Hill Air Quality Management Area, monitor emissions from vehicles in the area, model the impact of traffic speeds on air quality and test ways to reduce emissions as well as creating a local action group.
These projects support the Air Quality Action Plan for Four Elms Hill, in Chattenden, which was approved by Cabinet in August 2022.
Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: “We have made great strides in tackling air pollution at a national level since 2010, but we must do more to improve air quality and protect public health. From Tyneside to Cornwall, this funding will support a range of inspiring and innovative projects across the country – stepping up our monitoring of harmful pollutants, educating the public and boosting the use of green transport. This builds on our world-leading Environment Act commitments that will enhance our natural environment and safeguard public health for future generations.”
Cllr Jane Chitty, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, Economic Growth and Regulation, said: “I am delighted we have received more than £279,000 government funding to help improve air quality in the Four Elms Hill area. We understand how important it is to tackle air pollution and reduce emissions and we worked relentlessly to secure this funding which will have a positive impact on local people. I am also pleased that we will soon be setting up a local action group so representatives from the local community can really get involved in helping to shape this important project which will have a lasting impact.”
Cllr Howard Doe, Deputy Leader of Medway Council, who is leading on Medway’s Climate Change agenda, said: “Improving air quality goes hand in hand with our work to tackle climate change in Medway and I am pleased that we have received additional government funding. We will continue to work with partners, including residents and local businesses, on our journey to achieve net zero carbon across Medway by 2050.”
