Wokingham declares Air Quality Management Areas

Air Quality Management Areas have been declared in Wokingham town centre and Twyford as part of Wokingham borough council’s ongoing effort to tackle air pollution.

The Berkshire local authority has claimed that the areas — around Shute End in the west of the town, Denmark Street in the south and London Road to the east – have registered a higher than recommended prevalence of nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

Air quality monitoring sites in Wokingham

As a result individual plans are being drawn up to address the air pollution problems in the areas, and residents are being consulted on potential proposals.

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for resident services, said: “The declaration of the new Air Quality Management Areas in Wokingham town centre and Twyford are an important positive step towards improving the quality of the air in and around the town centres, and the well-being of our residents and visitors.

“We are keen to hear from individuals and local interest groups to help us shape the plan to make these improvements that will benefit us all. Please get in touch if you are interested. The plan could include traffic light phasing, minimising HGV, promoting and improving cycleways, raising awareness about public transport or encouraging people to car share — but we are interested to hear what you think and would love you to get involved.”

Congestion

Among the areas currently being addressed by the local authority is congestion, with the council working to establish a paths to link rural and urban areas — known as greenways. These are intitially due to link areas including Shinfield, Arborfield and Wokingham.

Work has also started on a £2 million cycleway, which will run the length of Wokingham borough’s section of the A329 and is due to be completed in 2019.