Issue - meetings

This is an information report on the development of the Air Quality Local Plan.

The Cabinet Member for Traffic & Transportation is asked to note the report.

This information report was noted, and is not subject to call-in.

Hayley Trower, Air Quality Lead for Transport, presented this update report; the outline business case needed to be submitted to the government by 31 October 2019.

Councillor Heaney commented on the best way to avoid an imposed charging zone was by changing people's habits through incentives.

In response to members' questions it was reported that automatic vehicle number plate recognition had been used to survey movements and destinations so that there was knowledge of the local fleet, the high level of local trips and the biggest problem was diesel vehicles. More research was being conducted to investigate how drivers would respond if they were charged and asking for ideas of how this could be mitigated to help local residents.

Councillor Stagg reiterated the concern that low income families would be most impacted and lobbying was taking place as well as educational campaigns to stop idling by motorists.

Councillor Bosher queried why a report was being brought here as well as reports going to full Cabinet; Pam Turton Assistant Director Transport responded that this had cross portfolio issues feeding into the Climate Change agenda but this particular report focussed on transport (with 50% of the problem being attributable to vehicular activity).  The Air Quality Board was chaired by the Director of Public Health and included other departments such as the port, housing, regeneration etc.  Councillor Bosher also asked about the 7 day monitoring taking place on Portsea Island and it was reported that some of the sites were off the island.  He also asked how mitigation for those "off island" would be considered? It was reported that this was part of the survey and experiences of other cities with Clean Air Zones were being studied by consultants to see how the transition took place.  Further reports would be brought back to the appropriate body.

This information report was noted.