Air pollution levels drop in Knutsford's problem main roads

The air quality management areas were introduced in response to raised pollutant levels within small ‘hotspots’ across the borough and to help provide a focus for air quality improvement measures. As a result of the improved picture, the council will now review its air quality action plan and is inviting comments from local residents.

The data which influenced this decision were obtained over several years going back to 2015 – in some circumstances, prior to the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. Improved vehicle technology and new and improved highways schemes have most likely contributed to cleaner air.

Now the air quality areas of A50 Manchester Road, Knutsford, and former A556 Chester Road, Mere (now B5569) have been revoked, along with five other areas in Crewe, Sandbach and Macclesfield.

Councillor Mick Warren, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for communities, said: “Tackling air pollution is a key priority for this council due to the potential impact on the health of our residents and visitors.

“Our priorities are to tackle vehicular emissions by applying targeted measures for the remaining air quality management areas, as well as taking a holistic approach across the whole of the borough.

“We are committed to improving air quality across Cheshire East and now our residents can have their say and share ideas to help develop a revised and robust air quality action plan.”

Two new air quality management areas were declared in 2019 along Lewin Street, Middlewich and Chelford Road, Knutsford.

The 1995 Environment Act places a legal duty on all local authorities to regularly review air quality, and except for a small number of hot spots, air quality in Cheshire East is good.

Consultation on the draft air quality action plan is open until 5pm on12 March 2021 and anyone interested in air quality across the borough is welcome to contribute. For further information visit: https://rb.gy/dfnj4e