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The fight against air pollution and the serious health problems it causes has been given a major boost today after an extra £2 million to help councils reduce Nitrogen Dioxide emissions was announced by Environment Minister Lord Taylor of Holbeach.

51 councils across England will receive funding for a range of projects designed to reduce serious levels of air pollution in our towns and cities. 

Environment Minister Lord Taylor of Holbeach said:

“Air pollution is a major problem which can cause serious health issues – from asthma to heart attacks – and it is vital we make every effort to reduce it and improve our nation’s health.

“Traffic emissions – one of the main sources of Nitrogen Dioxide – are often at the root of this problem. Therefore local action designed to tackle local problems will be especially effective.

“The £2 million I am announcing today recognises the pivotal role that our councils play in delivering air quality improvements. I look forward to seeing how their individual projects develop.”

Councils have bid for funding to support a range of projects – from looking at introducing low emission zones, which have been successful in London, to launching public information campaigns to raise awareness of air pollution.

The largest grant of £190,000 will be given to Stockport and Greater Manchester Metropolitan Borough Council to undertake research on the impact that traffic control and low emission vehicles have on Nitrogen Dioxide emissions.

Another issue being tackled by Dudley Council and the London Boroughs of Hackney and Haringey is leaving cars running when parked or stationary. Evidence shows that leaving cars idle when they could be switched off makes a significant contribution to NO2 emissions and this is something that could easily be avoided. This grant will allow these areas to highlight the problem to local residents with a view to encouraging a change in behavior.

Eligibility for the grant was limited to English local authorities with one or more Air Quality Management Areas for NO2 or those authorities where the Government’s national air quality assessment in 2009 identified a high level of NO2 emissions in their area.

The Government hopes that these projects will lead to significant reductions in NO2 emissions over the next twelve months in those areas where urgent change is required.

Local Authorities who received grant funding will be required to provide Defra with a progress report by September next year to monitor the success of each project and how the money is being spent.

Notes

1. This grant scheme operates under Section 31 of the Local Government Act 2003.  

2. The criteria for the grant period 2011/12 was different from that of previous years in that it is focused on supporting projects which tackle nitrogen dioxide emissions.

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