Agenda item

City of London Air Quality Strategy 2015 - 2020 Update

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

Minutes:

The Committee received a report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection that provided details of the on-going action to improve air quality in the City as part of the City of London Air Quality Strategy 2015-2020. Members were advised that the minutes and presentation from a recent Member Briefing on this matter were available upon request from the Town Clerk.

 

The Environmental Policy Officer explained how EU targets were due to be met throughout most of the City of London by 2020 via the Ultra Low Emission Zone. In response to a Member’s question, she added that colleagues in the Open Spaces Department were aware of the potential use of plants in City Gardens to reduce the impact of air pollution.

 

In response to Members’ questions regarding Beech Street, the Director of Port Health and Public Protection advised that the results from air quality monitors would be included in future air quality update reports and the Chairman advised that the purpose of the washing regime was to help reduce the levels of fine particles to improve air quality.

 

A Member noted his concerns with emissions caused by standby diesel generators at businesses within the City. The Environmental Policy Officer advised that an application for funding had been submitted to develop a programme to encourage a reduction in the use of standby diesel generators as there were currently no legislative powers against them.

 

In response to Members’ concerns regarding air pollution caused by heavy traffic, the Director of Transportation and Public Realm advised that there was currently the lowest number of roadworks within the City for many years. He added that a list of current closed and part-closed streets would be submitted to the next appropriate Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee for information. The Deputy Chairman suggested that Members read a report regarding the volume of activity taking place on the City’s highway network that was being submitted to the next Streets and Walkways Sub Committee meeting for information. Members noted that major highway works caused by Crossrail and TfL projects were outside the City Corporation’s control.

 

RESOLVED – That the on-going action to improve air quality in the Square Mile and to reduce the impact on health, be noted.

 

 

Supporting documents: