The Transition Directorhas submitted a report to approve adoption of Oxford’s Air Quality Action Plan (2021-2025, as amended) following public consultation.

Recommendation:That Cabinet resolves to:

1.    Approve adoption of Oxford’s Air Quality Action Plan (2021-2025, as amended) following public consultation.

The Transition Director had submitted a report to approve adoption of Oxford’s Air Quality Action Plan (2021-2025, as amended) (AQAP) following public consultation.

Councillor Tom Hayes, Cabinet Member for Green Transport and Zero Carbon Oxford, introduced the report. The detrimental consequences of air pollution were well understood, not least the potential to cut short peoples’ lives. The Council had a good record of tackling air pollution in the City but improvements in pollution levels were now plateauing. The AQAP sought to proceed further and faster than the target for improvement set by Government. He thanked all those who had contributed to the consultation and who had influenced the proposals now before Cabinet. The proposals included a framework of activity to underpin the new targets. The AQAP would, at the same time, make a contribution to reducing the Council’s carbon footprint and tackling climate change.

The Chair was pleased to welcome this important report, noting how experience of the first Covid-19 lockdown had resulted in an observable improvement in the City’s air quality and the relief that had brought to those with respiratory difficulties. She also observed that good partnership working was critical to this area of work, with, for example, other local authorities, bus companies, taxi drivers and the people of Oxford.  

Vehicle use was the biggest contributor to air pollution and one of the biggest challenges to addressed would be that of private car and particularly diesel car use. This would need to be tackled in a variety of ways, including robust conversations with the County Council as the transport authority around a range of measures such as the introduction of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, the continued roll out of Controlled Parking Zones and introduction of the Workplace Parking Levy. These measures would be needed in parallel with giving bus companies the confidence to invest in cleaner buses and to be part of the plans following the successful “All Electric Bus Town” bid. The Active Travel agenda would have an important part to play. It was important, also, to reinstill confidence in public transport.

The importance of ensuring that new housing developments included safe (and preferably segregated) routes for cycling and walking into district centres and City centre was recognised.

Pedro Abreu, Air Quality Officer, confirmed that he was consulted about new major planning applications to ensure their compatibility with air quality policies in the new Local Plan.

Councillor Hayes concluded by thanking the officers involved in preparation of the report, the AQAP, and the considerable work which underpinned this area of activity.

Cabinet resolved to:

1.    Approve the adoption of Oxford’s Air Quality Action Plan.