Agenda item

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection in relation to air quality.

The Director of Port Health and Public Protection advised the Committee of the five key areas in the City Air Quality Strategy 2011-2015: taxis, Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ), traffic management, local energy generation, and public health. Members were also advised of the joint air quality event with the Greater London Authority (GLA) at Mansion House on 29 July 2014 and the planned autumn air quality conference, which would involve representatives from all London boroughs.

In response to a Member’s question regarding the concentration of PM10 on Beech Street, the Environmental Health Officer advised that the additional street washing to reduce levels would continue. Street washing would be considered in other highly pedestrianised and monitored areas.

In response to Members’ questions regarding taxis, the Environmental Health Officer advised that new taxis registered with Transport for London (TFL) would be zero emission-capable from 2018 and some private mini-cab firms already had new green-standard vehicles, which supported the strategy of low and zero emission taxis in the City.

In response to a Member’s question regarding the traffic management objective to reduce the negative impact of commercial vehicles, the Environmental Health Officer advised that initiatives such as the City Air Business Engagement programme, the Sustainable City Awards and Clean City Awards were in place to encourage best practice and reward compliant businesses.

RESOLVED – That the actions being taken to address poor air quality in the City and the five key areas that have been identified for inclusion in the revised Air Quality Strategy, be approved.