Council revokes seven air quality management areas as pollution levels drop

Cheshire East Council has revoked seven air quality management areas as a result of falling pollution levels.

The air quality management areas were introduced in response to raised pollutant levels within small ‘hotspots’ across the borough and to help provide a focus for air quality improvement measures.

As a result of the improved picture, the council will now review its air quality action plan and is inviting comments from local residents.

The data which influenced this decision were obtained over several years going back to 2015 - in some circumstances, prior to the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. Improved vehicle technology and new and improved highways schemes have most likely contributed to cleaner air.

The areas revoked are:

 ● A50 Manchester Road, Knutsford;

● Former A556 Chester Road, Mere (now B5569);

● Earle Street, Crewe; 

● Wistaston Road, Crewe;

● Nantwich Road, Crewe;

● Middlewich Road, Sandbach;

● Park Lane, Macclesfield.  

Councillor Mick Warren, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for communities, said: “Tackling air pollution is a key priority for this council due to the potential impact on the health of our residents and visitors.

“Our priorities are to tackle vehicular emissions by applying targeted measures for the remaining air quality management areas, as well as taking a holistic approach across the whole of the borough.

“We are committed to improving air quality across Cheshire East and now our residents can have their say and share ideas to help develop a revised and robust air quality action plan.”

Two new air quality management areas were declared in 2019 along Lewin Street, Middlewich and Chelford Road, Knutsford.

The 1995 Environment Act places a legal duty on all local authorities to regularly review air quality, and except for a small number of hot spots, air quality in Cheshire East is good.

Consultation on the draft air quality action plan is open until 5pm on 12 March 2021 and anyone interested in air quality across the borough is welcome to contribute.