Air Quality on the Agenda at Cabinet

A new air quality strategy and action plan for South Tyneside will go before Cabinet next month.

Members will be recommended to approve the plan and also to revoke two Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) in the Borough.

The Council must submit an air quality status report to Defra annually. In 2021's appraisal, Defra highlighted the need for a strategy to drive forward air quality improvements to residents.

It also highlighted that AQMAs at Lindisfarne roundabout and Boldon Lane should be revoked following a five-year period of compliance with national pollutant limit values.

A consultation exercise was carried out in February 2022, seeking views from organisations including Highways UK, Stagecoach, Go North East and neighbouring authorities.

Cllr Margaret Meling, Lead Member for Economic Growth, Skills and Climate Change, said: "Some respondents expressed concern that the removal of the AQMAs might lead to increased pollution with any future development.

"However, air quality will continue to be monitored across the borough, including at the former AQMA sites if they are revoked.

"The strategy and action plan will ensure that we continually develop measures to improve air quality, helping to meet our climate change commitments and contributing to our ambition of our residents being healthy and well throughout their lives."