Issue - meetings

This report provides an update to the Panel on the outcome of the Low Emission Zone feasibility study; a summary of health effects associated with poor air quality and the current situation in relation to the Saltford and Keynsham Air Quality Management Plans.

Patrick Rotheram, Transport Lead, Federation of Bath Residents' Associations made a statement to the Panel. A copy of which can be found on the Panel’s Minute Book, a summary is set out below.

The entire main road network in Bath, and many lesser streets, is in the Bath Air Quality Management Area (AQMA), which by definition means that there are unhealthy and unlawful levels of air pollution.  Some 10,000 people live in the Bath AQMA and are suffering the effects of air pollution over the legal limit.  This is a really serious issue, and we want the Council to get serious about dealing with it.  Monitoring and studying doesn't cut it.

There has been much concern recently about the harmful effects of fine particulates (PM2.5).  These are not currently monitored in Bath and are not covered in the report. We are sceptical about the predicted drop in pollution levels between 2012 and 2015.  NO2 levels have remained fairly constant over the past ten years and show little sign of dropping.  What factors is the prediction based on?  Latest evidence is that diesel cars cause more pollution so increasing numbers of diesel cars will make matters worse, not improve them. 

Sadly it is realistic for the study to assume that B&NES can't do anything which would directly result in HGV being diverted onto existing roads in Wiltshire, which is the reason why the other Options appear not to be viable.  The logical conclusion is that the only way to reduce pollution from HGV is to provide a new alternative route avoiding Bath, eg an A36-A46 link.

The 'Actions taken in B&NES to improve air quality to date' (page 219) is misleading.  None of these plans contain measures which will make a significant reduction in traffic and air pollution in Bath.  The only measure in the Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) which has any serious potential for reducing pollution is the LEZ, and the present report makes it clear that this can be introduced only in a limited central area. A transport strategy aimed at reducing traffic volumes in residential areas and across the city is essential. 

Councillor Lisa Brett commented that the Council is given so little power by Government on this matter. She added that the Council were not allowed to impose a weight restriction on Cleveland Bridge and that she supported a link road for the A36 – A46.

The Senior Public Protection Officer and Public Health Speciality Registrar gave a presentation to the Panel. A copy of which can be found on the Panel’s Minute Book, a summary is set out below.

Low Emission Zone Feasibility Study

·  DEFRA funded focus on Bath Air Quality Management Area.

·  Traffic, emissions & dispersion modelling; consultation; (HGV/bus and coach operators, neighbouring authorities and Highways Agency); and CBA.

Scenarios

·  Do Nothing: No changes assumed except Rossiter Road scheme and the effect of growth 2012-15

• Option 1: HGV: Only Euro-class 5 or better for the A4 London Road and Bathwick Street - 24hr  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43