Meeting documents

BANES Cabinet 9 January 2008

P A Rotheram speaking notes

• I'm speaking on behalf of the Federation of Bath Residents' Associations, which brings together the individual residents' associations in the city. We have a combined membership of more than 4000 residents of Bath.
  
• We are deeply concerned about the levels of air pollution in Bath. Along most of the main road network through the city, average nitrogen dioxide levels are 50% over the World Health Organisation , EU and UK Government 'limit' at which air pollution is considered to be potential health risk, while at Lambridge they are over twice the limit. These levels of pollution represent a serious long-term threat to the health and well-being of the city's residents.
  
• Long-term exposure to NO₂ can induce irreversible changes in lung structure and function. We are equally concerned about diesel particulates, which are linked to both lung and heart disease. Air pollution must also be adversely affecting the fabric of the Georgian buildings.
  
• It is hard to think of a more serious or urgent matter for your attention. People in Bath will suffer chronic illness and some will die early because of air pollution. The Council has a duty to the people of Bath to tackle the problem as a matter of urgency. There is also a legal requirement on you to bring NO₂ levels below the limit by 2010.
• We have circulated a note suggesting measures that could be taken quickly to attack the problem. I would like to draw attention to just 3 key points.
  
• First, we strongly support the recommendation that the whole of the city's main road network is designated as an Air Quality Management Area. It stands to reason that pollution exists not only at the measured hotspots but also at the points in-between.
  
• Second, the major new developments currently under consideration such as the Western Riverside will all add to the traffic levels in the city. It is essential that the Council addresses the traffic implications of these developments.
  
• Finally the Federation believes that improving public transport, while important, is not enough, and that we have arrived at the point at which traffic through the centre of Bath must be restricted, by congestion charging or other means.