WORCESTER residents have the chance to give their opinions on proposals to improve air quality in the city.
Public consultations have been launched on two draft plans for the city – one designed to improve the current quality of air and the other to ensure that future building does not have a negative impact on air quality.
A draft air quality action plan to tackle high levels of nitrogen dioxide, mostly caused by cars, has been prepared.
The plan includes support for electric cars, boost cycling, improvements to the environmental efficiency of the City Council’s vehicles and more.
It does not include an introduction to a charging zone in Worcester city centre.
The second consultation is being run in partnership with Wychavon and Malvern Hills councils – who jointly prepared a draft Air Quality Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).
The SPD has guidance on how new homes can be built without adding to air quality issues.
Coun Karen Lewing, vice chair of Worcester City Council’s Environment Committee, said: “Poor air quality can have a negative effect on both people and our environment, leading to increased potential for illness and, in cases where someone suffers long-term exposure to heavily polluted air, death.
“That is why it is so important that we put the right measures in place to tackle this issue now and into the future.
“I would encourage everyone who lives or works in Worcester, or who enjoys visiting our beautiful city, to have their say in these two consultations.”
The Air Quality Action Plan consultation runs until September 15, while the deadline for the Air Quality SPD consultation is September 4.
Visit: worcester.gov.uk/voiceit to give your views.
