In December 2016 a report had been presented to the Committee to provide an update on air quality across the Bradford District. At that time Members had requested a further update and the report of the Strategic Director, Health and Wellbeing, Document “G”, provided that update including information on the health impacts of air quality on the residents of Bradford, an update on the national context, the results of the routine monitoring carried out and the steps which were being put in place to tackle that problem.

The update reported on four key issues including the Health Impact of Poor Air Quality; the National Air Quality Plan for Nitrogen Dioxide; Bradford Council Air Quality Monitoring Data and tangible actions being taken to Improve Air Quality in Bradford.

Document “G” revealed that air quality monitoring was undertaken at a number of locations across the district.  The varying trends which had been seen were discussed including that the levels of Nitrogen Dioxide and particulates at Thornton Road had halved and had remained static at Shipley Airedale Road.  It was explained that the variation in trends was due to a great deal of variability at various times of the day and year and also because of variable weather conditions.  It was questioned if the data was robust and sufficiently reliable to guide policy decisions and it was explained that only a small level of data contained in the report was utilised for that purpose.  Officers relied on data from over 60 stations in the area and this was supplemented by Government data.

A Member raised the issue of poor air quality in parts of the Wibsey Ward.  He was concerned that children were walking to school and playing in areas where they were suffering the consequences of peoples’ vehicle choice. He referred to the cleaner bus fleet operating in the Leeds area and questioned what was being done to address the air pollution in his ward.   He stressed that efforts must be made to change the vehicles that people were driving and the nature in which they were driven.  He was concerned that children living in the areas of highest deprivation were being subjected to the worst air quality resulting in life limiting illness.

In response it was explained that Leeds had been identified as an area requiring action on air quality and the cleaner bus fleet would, therefore, go to that area.  The Department for Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) were aware of air quality issues and there was some funding available for the retrofit of buses.  Children were being advised to play in areas further away from polluted roads and to avoid walking to school on busy main roads.  It was acknowledged that the Born in Bradford Project had done a lot of research on effects of air quality and it was agreed that the results of their research should be widely publicised. 

It was explained that, following a draft National Air Quality Plan for Nitrogen Dioxide, Defra had indicated that a Clean Air Zone would be required in Bradford to tackle the high levels of nitrogen dioxide and named Bradford as requiring action.  The final plan, however, had stated that Bradford was not required to carry out a feasibility study or implement measures over and above those already planned.  A Member questioned if that would impact on funding for Bradford.  In response it was confirmed that it was the case that the 23 Local Authorities ‘requiring action’ would be a priority for Government funding, however, tangible action to Improve Air Quality in Bradford included a successful bid for taxis to install EV infrastructure; locations surveyed for town centre rapid-charging stations and a bid made to the Clean Bus Technology Fund 2017-2019 which had £30m available over a two year scheme. The deadline for bids was 17th November 2017.

It was confirmed that the Council had signed up to the West Yorkshire Low Emissions Strategy and that Defra would continue to monitor further air quality areas in the future.  It was also explained that the operation of buses to cleaner standards in the Leeds area would also help to improve air quality in the Bradford district.

A Member questioned progress on the gas refuel station.  Although it was believed that this would be part of a new depot currently in the planning stage it was agreed to provide further information to that Member.

Communication with residents to encourage them to look after the environment was questioned.   In response it was explained that a number of public awareness events were organised in the area.  Information on air quality statistics were also available to residents.  It was believed that people were getting the message that diesel cars were not as environmentally friendly as petrol and it was agreed to raise the issue with Public Health England for them to promote that message.  Work undertaken with Development Control Officers was reported and that the adoption of the Low Emissions Strategy had now been promoted to other areas was confirmed.

In summary a concern was expressed that Neighbourhood Forums promoted walk to school initiatives in areas where there could be high concentrations of toxicity. 

Resolved –

1.    That the content of the report be noted and officers be fully supported in their continued measures to tackle poor air quality across the District.

2.    That the continuing and severe pollution created by the operation of diesel vehicles and bus fleets in Bradford be noted.

3.    That the disproportionate impact of poor air quality on the poorer parts of our District be noted and officers encouraged to continue to seek to raise public awareness of actions which residents can take to improve poor air quality in their communities.

4.    That the Strategic Director, Health and Wellbeing, be requested to continue to review the options for declared Air Quality Management Areas across the District.

5.    That a progress report be provided in 12 months time.

ACTION: Strategic Director, Health and Wellbeing.