Comment

Theme

Comment

Electric Vehicles

Transport

We agree that promoting use of electric vehicles is important.  In addition to the actions already included for this element we have added another to ensure that MBC has a long term strategy for EV infrastructure.

Cycling

Transport

We agree that cycling and other modal shift projects are important.  However there are several  other plans/strategies devoted to this which we will compliment but not duplicate

Agricultural Pollution, Bonfires etc

Other

While these issues are important we are focussing at for now on the areas that carry most public health significance.  However a section has been added to the strategy highlighting future work areas.

Lacks ambition – doesn’t go far enough, should have been out long ago, vague, should have been out at planning stage.

 

Other

Disagree that the action plan lacks ambition.  MBC has had and air quality action plan with the majority of actins now complete.  This updates and replaces that plan.

The scale of new development and the resulting congestion

Planning

There has been a lot of development in recent years.  It is acknowledged that the previous local plan did not allow the council as much influence on these developments as it wanted.  This has been addressed by the new local plan.

Road closures at peak times

Transport

This would have the effect of pushing air pollution to other areas.  MBC is also not responsible for traffic management.

Solar energy/renewable energy in new developments

Planning

This is something that we will take into consideration in developing the Development Plan Document specifically addressing air quality.

Building relief roads especially Leeds Langley bypass

 

Transport

This is not something that the LES can address.

MBC should be fined if they breach the strategy

 

Other

MBC cannot fine itself.  However progress on the strategy will be reported annually and services failing to progress their actions can be called to account.

Commitment to partnership working / stake holder engagement, especially with KCC

Other

We agree that working in partnership is essential to deliver the most important actions in the strategy.  We will do this.

Lack of AQ monitoring

Other

MBC has been monitoring air quality for many years and has an extensive network of monitoring locations.  We have included an action to undertake a review of our monitoring network.

The school run

Transport

We have an action to work with schools and other partners to educate and raise awareness.  MBC does not have direct influence over this.

Replace Park and Ride

Transport

A review of Park and Ride is currently under way.

Stop out of town development

Planning

We are committed to developing a planning DPD which will address AQ issues in development.  However we are unlikely to be able to stop out of town development

Electric trains

Transport

MBC does not have control of the rail network.

Size of the AQMA should  be increased

Other

The proposed  smaller AQMA will allows us to target our resources where they are most needed

Action on engine idling.

 

Transport

We agree that this is important and have changed the action relating to this to include potential use of enforcement powers as well as promotion and education.

Encouraging people to use public transport, in particular, sparse services and expensive fares.

 

Transport

A review of bus provision, routing and the bus station is already started.

Vehicle Emission should be at a National Level

 

Transport

MBC does not have control of this government policy.

Congestion (road works, time of day, etc)

 

Transport

The main purpose of the LES which is aimed at cleaning up the vehicle fleet.  However we will support any initiative to improve congestion.

Noise Pollution

Other

Not relevant to a Low Emission Strategy

Trees (plant more)

Other/Planning

We will consider planting and amenity areas as part of the DPD

Highway Pollution

Transport

We have several actions aimed at vehicle emissions.

Smart City Status/Government Schemes

Other

We will investigate such schemes

Crematorium

Carbon Management

Work on energy saving is ongoing.  Emissions are controlled through the Environmental Permitting regime.

Enforcement Action (congestion charges, Parking Charges, Charges for public hire vehicles and HGVs going through town

Transport

See engine idling above.  We will also investigate a low emission or clean air zone..

Speed Limit Changes

Transport

MBC does not control speed limits.  It would be more beneficial to have smoother traffic flow than slower traffic.

Human Health

Public Health

Air pollution is important in relation to human health.  We will work with colleagues in public health to raise awareness and promote AQ on the public health agenda.

Bridges

Transport

MBC does not have control of bridges.

Change Vehicles (public and as a council)

Transport

We have actions to look at council vehicles. 

Improve Traffic Flow

Transport

We will support any initiative to improve traffic flows.

Bus, Commercial, Diesel, and other vehicles which are high polluting

Transport

This is where many of our actions will focus

Increased public awareness/training

Public Health

See above

Inappropriate Parking in Town

Transport

Parking enforcement is already in place.

Planning application/planning and building control/planning policies/ DM/ Procurement

Planning

Planning DPD already under development

Budgets

Other

MBC has limited budget capacity, we will seek grant funding and private sector funding for some more expensive actions.

Street Cleansing

Other

No applicable to the LES

More publication of monitoring data to show changes as measure are implemented

Public health

All monitoring data is  published annually.  It is also available on the Kent Air website.  We will increase awareness of this.

Parking charges should be increased to discourage parking in town

Transport

An action for a review of parking strategy is included.

Need to do more in Modal Shift

Transport

There are several strategies and initiatives aimed at modal shift.  The low emission strategy will compliment but not duplicate them.

Developments round town increase traffic

Planning

See above.

Raise Awareness of AQ problems with alert scheme

Public Health

See above..