Views sought on city pollution

Exeter residents are being asked for their views on a strategy aimed at cutting air pollution in the city.

Exeter City Council has just published its draft Low Emissions Strategy which sets out the ways the City Council and its partners plan to reduce air pollution caused by traffic. It aims to tackle nitrogen dioxide levels by reducing emissions from council-owned vehicles, as well as working with local businesses and organisations to increase the number of low emission vehicles and sustainable transport choices.

Closer working between the City and County Council and the reintroduction of a freight quality partnership are just two of the other measures, which can be viewed at the Council website www.exeter.gov.uk/les

Cllr Keith Owen, Lead Councillor for Environment, Health and Wellbeing, said: “Since we announced the initiative in August, we’ve been working very closely with our partners including Devon County Council, health professionals, Chamber of Commerce, bus companies, and freight organisations. We’ve also seen considerable feedback directly from individuals highlighting what they would like to see.

“The strategy reflects this input, and we are now finalising measures to be included. Some things are already happening such as the 'Park and Change' sites - aimed at reducing congestion, and some are in the pipeline, but some are completely new initiatives for Exeter. Added together, the strategy will provide a roadmap on how we aim to tackle air quality issues caused by transport over the next few years.”

The Council is seeking any further views on the proposed measures before details (and implementation dates) are confirmed. Contact Alex Bulleid on 01392 265147 or email environmental.health@exeter.gov.uk before Friday 2 January.