Bradford to vote on low emission strategy

Council to decide whether to adopt strategy to curb air pollution from vehicles at meeting on Tuesday (November 5)

Councillors in Bradford are set to decide whether the city will formally adopt a Low Emission Strategy (LES) at an executive meeting on Tuesday (November 5).

The focus of the Low Emission Strategy, which was originally put out for consultation in July, is road transport which according to the council accounts for and more than 20% of the emissions generated in the district. It is estimated that 5.3% of all mortality in Bradford is attributable to particulate matter.

Councillors will vote on the strategy to improve Bradford’s air quality at a meeting on Tuesday (November 5)

Four Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) already exist in Bradford surrounding the roads Mayo Avenue, Thornton Road, Manningham Lane and Shipley Airedale Road.

The strategy includes provisions to evaluate measures to encourage alternative modes of transport or the uptake of cleaner vehicles, such as Low Emissions Zones, bus and freight partnerships and exploration of infrastructure for alternative fuels.

It also suggests that a review of air quality is needed in Bradford in order to establish a ‘robust profile’ of the road transport system and to help raise awareness of the health impact of vehicle emissions.

Measures

Councillor Andrew Thornton, Bradford council’s executive member for environment, sport and sustainability, said: “The strategy sets out how the Council will work with key partners, the public and private sector to put in place measures that will reduce the impact of road transport emissions on public health.

“It will lead to health benefits for people living and working in Bradford as well as doing less harm to the environment.

“This will include such activities as transport planning, cycling policy, fleet procurement and management, waste management, land use planning, raising public awareness and promoting best practice.

“The strategy will deliver a number of benefits and help us build partnerships with business and the community and other local authorities to achieve cleaner air in Bradford and the rest of West Yorkshire.”

The Low Emission Strategy follows on from the adoption by Bradford Council of an Air Quality Strategy in April 2011.