A council is proposing “ambitious” new targets and measures to improve air quality.

Brighton and Hove City Council has unveiled its new air quality action plan (AQAP), which members of the environment, transport and sustainability committee will be asked to approve when they meet on November 15.

The council said the measures set out in the AQAP target the main sources of emissions within Brighton and Hove.

In total, there are more than 60 proposed actions in the plan which fall under five priority headings:

  • Increase active travel, support mode shift including greater emphasis on public transport 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

Also included are proposals for a citywide smoke control area to be implemented by 2023 with the aim of reducing the amount of smoke from chimneys.

The council said this would make it against the law for homeowners, tenants or occupiers to emit persistent, visible smoke from a building chimney.

It also said the air quality action plan will look to go beyond current UK minimum legal requirements.

The proposed local nitrogen dioxide target for Brighton and Hove is 25 per cent lower than it would be by adhering to the minimum UK legal requirement and in the longer term, it would be 75 per cent lower.

In addition, "stronger" targets have been set out for reducing airborne particles in the air we all breathe.

The council said the AQAP will look to build on the “good work” already being done to reduce emissions in the city.

This includes working with bus companies to reduce emissions, including securing funding to upgrade the exhausts of dozens of city buses.

Installing over 250 electric vehicle charging points around the city to encourage greater electric vehicle use.

Securing funding from the city’s Carbon Neutral Fund to install camera technology in air quality management areas to collect vehicle data.

Councillor Amy Heley, who co-chairs the environment, transport and sustainability committee, said she was glad the council had been “bold and ambitious” with its plan.

“Air pollution is responsible for thousands of deaths in England every year and we need to do more to reduce harmful emissions which directly impact on the air we breathe,” she said.

“The quality and quantity of feedback provided into our consultation demonstrates the demands for higher standards for air quality in the city. Alongside improving our reporting and monitoring that is what we’ve done in this plan.

“These measures, together with the work we’re already doing, means we can work towards cleaner air for a healthier Brighton and Hove.”