Highway authorities given tougher air quality role

Environment department Defra has confirmed that it will strengthen the air quality framework and guidance for highway authorities.

Using powers in the Environment Act, National Highways - the operator of the strategic road network in England - is to become the first designated 'Relevant Public Authority' with a legal requirement to work with councils to take action to deliver air quality objectives.

This statutory requirement – consulted on earlier this year – will see 'a more consistent approach to meeting local air quality objectives on road networks,' Defra said.

Defra is also updating Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) Policy Guidance to reflect legislative changes introduced through the Environment Act 2021 and clarify roles and responsibilities within local government.

The guidance will be amended to include:

• A new requirement for local Air Quality Action Plans to include a timeline of clear actions that ensure that Air Quality Objectives (pollution concentration limits) are met and air quality standards improve in local areas.
• The requirement for an Air Quality Management Area to be declared within 12 months of identifying an exceedance of the air quality objectives to ensure that local councils develop Air Quality Actions Plans more quickly.
• The requirement for local authorities to produce an Air Quality Action Plan within 18 months of declaring an Air Quality Management Area.
• A new reminder and warning alert system to increase local council compliance with reporting on actions they are taking to improve air quality.

The LAQM Technical Guidance is also being updated to reflect the legislative changes introduced through the Environment Act 2021.

Environment minister Steve Double said: 'These changes – delivered by our Environment Act - provide a strengthened framework for local councils to meet their air quality objectives, and will ensure that communities are protected sooner with real improvements to the air we breathe.'