Agenda item

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection that sought approval to the City of London Air Quality Strategy 2015-2020. Members were advised that the strategy fulfilled the City of London Corporation’s statutory obligation to assist the Government and Mayor of London to meet European Limit Values for nitrogen dioxide and fine particles (PM10) and reflected the high priority placed on reducing the impact of air pollution on the health of City residents and workers. The Director of Port Health and Public Protection noted that a meeting between the Chairman, Environmental Health Officer and a Defra Minister was taking place shortly to discuss a wider London strategy.

A Member suggested that the City Corporation should be seen as taking a lead in reducing the pollution caused by diesel vehicles and that serious consideration should be given to banning them completely. Other Members endorsed stronger action. The Director welcomed Members support for a strong line being taken and this clear political guidance would help with the campaign.  He added that the Department of Markets and Consumer Protection worked closely with colleagues in the Department of the Built Environment regarding the development of future pedestrian zones within the City of London.

In response to Members’ concerns regarding Biomass boilers, the Environmental Health Officer advised that they were not being installed in any new premises but implementation was not possible with existing premises. In response to further questions, she added that dust monitoring was required at all construction sites and non-road mobile machinery had to meet emissions standards. A bid to fund a new full time post across central London authorities to focus on construction emissions would be submitted shortly.

The Director of Port Health and Public Protection added that an update report to be submitted to the Committee in autumn 2015 could provide additional details of potential action to comply with air quality regulations as it was a rapidly changing field.

RESOLVED – That the City of London Air Quality Strategy 2015-2020 be approved.