Brighton and Hove to update pollution plan, says council

Brighton and Hove City Council has launched an eight-week public consultation on its draft revised Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) and people are invited to have their say on the plan and its measures.

The revised AQAP is intended to help tackle the 170 early deaths occurring in Brighton and Hove each year, to which airborne pollution is a “major contributor”.

Councillor Amy Heley, co-chairwoman of the environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “Improving the city’s air quality is one of our key priorities. We know the impact poor air quality can have on our health, especially for those with pre-existing medical conditions.

170 pollution-related deaths occur in Brighton and Hove each year

“We’re already taking steps by investing in active and sustainable travel, zero and low emission transport, but we can always do more.

“The priorities and measures set out in this draft plan will help shape how we tackle air pollution, and I would urge everyone to read the plan and have their say.”

The plan has five key priorities:

• Increase active travel and reduce the need to travel

• Encourage and support uptake of ultra-low and zero exhaust vehicles

• Improve monitoring and public awareness

• Reduce emissions from buildings and new development

• Partnership working.

Brighton and Hove’s first AQAP was implemented in 2006, with revisions made in 2011 and 2015. The 2022 update will remain in place until 2027.

The City Council's consultation for a city with cleaner air has begun

The consultation began on Monday and will close on Monday, July 11.

Air pollution can be a contributing factor to heart disease and cancer, particularly among vulnerable people. In 2017, it contributed to 36,000 deaths in the UK, costing the NHS and authorities an estimated £157 million.