Pollution plans for Newcastle to be drawn up

Plans to further improve air quality in Newcastle by tackling pollution caused by city traffic are to be developed.

Cities across the country, including Newcastle, have been required by law to take additional action to ensure that air quality targets are met.

Newcastle City Council must draw up its initial plans by March 2018 and have final plans ready by the end of next year setting out what action will be taken.

The plans will focus on developing existing policies in the city to promote alternative modes of transport to car users. This includes the development of more reliable and efficient bus routes, including bus lanes and measures to improve cycling networks.

Other actions include investment in the city’s road networks to reduce congestion and keep traffic moving away from residential areas - reducing the exposure of families living in the city to toxic vehicle emissions.

The area in Newcastle which the government has highlighted is the stretch of the A167, between the Tyne Bridge and Swan House roundabout.

The city council has already carried out engagement with partners, business, transport operators and members of the public and will continue to work with interested parties, neighbouring councils and the government as plans are developed.

Arlene Ainsley, cabinet member for transport and air quality at Newcastle City Council, said: “Pollution is a major public health concern and it is the most vulnerable who are more likely to be affected, including children, older people and those with heart and lung problems.

“We are already taking action in Newcastle to address this issue, but we know that more needs to be done, not just by the council but by all partners in the city.

“Poor air quality is a national problem and we need much greater support and funding from the government to enable us to deal effectively with this issue.

“We would urge the government to fully commit to investment in retrofit scrappage schemes and the continued development of electric vehicle infrastructure as well as providing greater funding for councils to support the complex modelling needed to identify what actions are needed.”