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'Air Quality Management Practices in Urban Areas of England'

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The Project in Context

The impact of air pollution, particularly on human health, is an issue of significant public and governmental concern. Contemporary air pollution problems, for example those arising from increasing vehicle emissions, have come into the political arena, both in Europe and the UK. The UK has tried to address these issues mainly through the Environment Act 1995, Part IV resulting in the UK Air Quality Strategy, which was published in 1997 and subsequently revised in 2000. The Air Quality Regulations give legal weight to standards and objectives for seven pollutants, which are to be achieved by future target dates (2003 - 2008). Local authorities have been given new powers, and obligations to reach these targets for benzene, 1,3-butadiene, carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particulates and sulphur dioxide.
Air Quality Management (AQM)

A combination of Governmental policy processes influence air quality, including:
  • local economic development
  • land use planning
  • air pollution control
  • transportation planning and development

In addition to these policy processes, air quality is also influenced by natural processes such as local climatology and topography.

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A multi-disciplinary approach is therefore vital, involving professions such as environmental health, planning, transportation and economic development. Air quality implications must be considered at the outset of any planning process, for example with regard to planning applications, transport policies, other strategic plans including car parking policies, industrial development policies etc.
Local authorities face a significant challenge in attempting to integrate Air Quality Management (AQM) policies within existing policy frameworks (such as land use planning, economic development and transport planning), and thereafter seeking to reshape the policy frameworks to meet air quality goals.

Author: Clare Beattie
Copyright © 2002 by Air Quality Management Resource Centre, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol, BS16 1QY.All rights reserved. Lasted up dated: 26/04/02.