Slough council unveils Low Emission Strategy

Slough borough council is asking residents for views on its draft Low Emission Strategy, which was launched for consultation today (27 November).

Actions outlined in the Low Emission Strategy include the development of a Clean Air Zone Framework aimed at improving the emissions of buses and freight vehicles as well as encouraging the take-up of ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEV) through a Slough Electric Vehicle Plan.

Slough borough council is proposing the development of a clean air zone framework

The Clean Air Zone Framework will look at the feasibility of introducing a CAZ in Slough which could potentially set emission standards for taxis, buses, coaches, lorries and vans.

The strategy is being implemented to combat air pollution within the borough, which the council claimed are largely caused by emissions from road transport.

The council’s draft LES forms part of the Slough Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP). According to the council it lays out “an integrated, year on year plan to improve air quality up to 2025, reducing vehicle emissions by accelerating the uptake of cleaner fuels and technologies”.

AQMAs

Slough borough council has designated 4 Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) due to elevated levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) which breach the EU Limit Value (annual average NO2) and where there is relevant exposure of residents. The AQMA are located around the M4, Tuns Lane, Town Centre/A4 and Brands Hill.

Reducing air pollution from road transport through a low emission strategy is a Slough Labour Party manifesto pledge and improving the borough’s air quality is a key commitment in the council’s Five Year Plan (2017-2021).

The LES builds on activity already taking place across the borough, including the development of cycling infrastructure — including cycle hire facilities, the introduction of electric charge points in the town centre and at various council premises and the availability of electric pool cars and bikes for use by council staff.

Emissions

Councillor Joginder Bal, cabinet member for environment and leisure, said: “The council has developed a low emission strategy which supports our transport strategy in targeting reductions in vehicle emissions across the borough.

“The health and wellbeing of our residents and the people who visit and work in Slough is paramount and we can make great improvements to our local air quality if we work together towards a shared vision.

“We are committed to making immediate and long lasting improvements to our environment and we’d like residents to help us shape our plans.

“We’d like people to tell us what they think about our strategy, and share their ideas for creating a low emissions future for Slough.”

Related Links
Slough borough council – Draft Low Emission Strategy