Cornwall to tackle transport emissions at Grampound

Work is to begin on an action plan to improve air quality in Grampound, a village in Western Cornwall, following the declaration of the village as an Air Quality Management Area.

Earlier this year, Cornwall council held a public consultation to ask residents for their views on air quality in Grampound.

Grampound is situated between the towns of Truro and St Austell

People who responded to the consultation agreed that action was needed to improve air quality in the village.

According to the council, the official designation of the Air Quality Management Area on 24 July formally acknowledges that need and is the first step towards creating an action plan for the village.

Councils are required to monitor air quality in their area against national targets and to declare areas with poor air quality as Air Quality Management Areas.

Cornwall council has been monitoring emissions levels around Grampound since 2014, with results showing that areas of the village have ‘excessive levels of traffic related nitrogen dioxide.’

‘First step’

Sue James, Cornwall council cabinet member for environment and public protection, said the declaration is ‘an important first step’ towards improving the quality in Grampound.

“Emissions from diesel engine vehicles is one of the main reasons for poor air quality.  I drive an electric car, and I would urge anybody thinking about changing their car to consider the environment when making their choice.”

Bob Egerton, Cornwall councillor for Probus, Tregony and Grampound, said: “Cornwall council’s public protection and transport and infrastructure services will work together to produce the action plan to improve air quality in Grampound, and suggestions  from local people received during the recent consultation will be considered and investigated further.

“A draft action plan will be produced within 12 months and the council will then ask residents and businesses for their views again before a final plan is published.”

There are seven other Air Quality Management Areas in Cornwall, which include Camborne-Pool-Redruth, Truro, St Austell, Bodmin, Camelford, Tideford and Gunnislake.

As part of its Clean Air for Cornwall Strategy, Cornwall council has already introduced a range of projects and policies to help improve air quality across the county.  These include improving public transport, introducing car clubs and requiring electric vehicle charging points in new build homes.

Over the next 12 months, Cornwall council said it will investigate specific measures to improve air quality in Grampound. This work could include further traffic studies and appraising options that could be included in the draft action plan for the village.