Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director Net Zero Exeter & City Management.

Agreed:

RESOLVED that the Executive note the statutory annual status report.

RECOMMENDED that the Council notes and approves the statutory annual status report.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

The Executive received the statutory Annual Status report on the air quality monitoring data from 2019, which had been submitted to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), meeting the required standards. The report also provided a summary of the actions taken in 2019, to improve local air quality. Members noted that, although the report did not contain information on pollution levels during 2020 or of the impact of Covid-19 control measures, these would be detailed in the 2021 annual report.

Particular reference was made to the downward direction in the city’s long-term trend in nitrogen dioxide levels and that there were fewer areas in the city that exceeded the objective levels than in previous years. Exeter City Council would continue to work with Devon County Council to implement the Air Quality Action Plan, reduce car use and reduce the impact of poor air quality on health.

During the discussion the following points were made:-

·         monitors were strategically placed in the city’s hotspots and busiest roads to ensure robust evidence obtained to capture the true position;

·         review of existing monitors is in progress to ensure raw data is as up to date as possible to avoid over reliance on historical data and to effectively monitor trends;

·         welcome exploration of different transport options; and

·         DEFRA is encouraged by the Council’s approach to amending and monitoring its programme and the 30 action points to improve air quality as set out in the report

RESOLVED that the Executive note the statutory annual status report; and

RECOMMENDED that the Council notes and approves the statutory annual status report.