Issue - meetings

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

Agreed:

RECOMMENDED that Council note the statutory annual status report.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

The Executive received the report on the statutory Air Quality Annual Status which contained the 2020 monitoring data and a summary of the actions taken in 2020 to improve local air quality. The Council had a statutory duty to monitor and report on air quality and had submitted the report to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), but no response had been received to date.

Particular reference was made to the reported 2020 figures, which showed that during the Pandemic, there had been a behaviour change which had improved the air quality data, particularly to the nitrogen dioxide levels.

The Chair commented on the actions detailed in the report presented at the meeting, which highlighted the work being undertaken to improve air quality and confirmed that the Council would continue to work with its partners to improve the air quality in Exeter.

During the discussion the following points were made: -

·        The Council had achieved the required standard of air quality figures for 2020, which reflected the changes to behaviour during the Pandemic;

·        Exeter City Council was working closely with the Devon County Council Highways Authority to address the transport related actions listed in the report;

·        30% of the City Council vehicles were now fully electric and there was additional work being undertaken at the Water Lane solar farm, to support improvements to air quality;

·        Diesel recycling vehicles would be replaced with electric vehicles;

·        Devon County Council would be introducing outside charging points to encourage residents to invest in electric vehicles; and

·        Exeter City Council would continue to work with other organisations to progress the improvement of the city’s air quality.

RECOMMENDED that Council note the statutory annual Air Quality Status report.