Meeting documents

The PAG received a report which sought Members views on the draft Air Quality Action Plan, which set out how stakeholders would work to improve air quality in the Iver Air Quality Management Area. The Action Plan would be subject to public consultation over a 12 week period via the website, local and social media.

Having considered the advice of the PAG, the Portfolio Holder RESOLVED that the draft Air Quality Action Plan be approved for formal consultation and following consultation and feedback that the action plan be finalised for approval by Cabinet and DEFRA.

The PAG received a report which sought Members views on the draft Air Quality Action Plan, which set out how stakeholders would work to improve air quality in the Iver Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). The Action Plan would be subject to public consultation over a 12 week period via the website, local and social media. Included in the document was a source apportionment calculation which identified the main sources of the pollution, which was road traffic. The main source of Nitrogen Dioxide on Thorney Lane South was HGVs, whilst HGVs and Diesel Cars have shared responsibility on the High Street.

Members noted that the key plan elements included the uptake of cleaner vehicles, minimising the impact of the National Infrastructure Projects on Iver, improving car parking provision in Iver and to introduce car parking restrictions on the Highway, carrying out a feasibility study for a Clean Air Zone in Iver and developing a relief road that would take HGVs away from the High Street. They also noted the update on the two air quality projects.

Some Members expressed concern that these actions were not enough to address pollution. The relief road would only impact on one zone but could increase traffic elsewhere and make the air quality worse and there were no powers to get vehicles to use cleaner fuels which would impact on small businesses. The Senior Environmental Protection Officer reported that they working with Bucks County Council to include this in their Freight Strategy and had already met with a number of businesses to offer assistance where possible. The Environmental Health Manager reported that all these actions put together would reduce pollution. This Action Plan could be built upon once information was available on which measures were successful. Having an AQMA did provide the Council with some power and there was a legal responsibility to implement the Action Plan with partners. DEFRA could also intervene if actions were not being implemented.

Another Member expressed concern that no action had been taken with regard to using the car park in The Swan to prevent double parking in the High Street. The Environmental Health Manager referred to discussions with Bucks County Council on improving car parking provision and introducing car parking restrictions and commented that he would pursue this. Members also mentioned the footway which was flooded which meant that pedestrians had to walk on the road, which was dangerous because of HGVs. There was also funding for a cycleway but this had been withdrawn and the funding allocated to another area. A Member also commented that the walking crocodile to Iver Infants School had been cancelled and it would be helpful to see if this could be reinstated.

Reference was made to a recent announcement from Sajid Javid for additional funding for road infrastructure and whether any bids could be made. Members noted that bids would be submitted through the Lead Growth and Strategy Officer at Bucks County Council.

Members agreed that the draft Air Quality Action Plan should be sent out for consultation and if Members were not satisfied with the response from Bucks County Council they should invite a representative to attend the next PAG meeting. Members also asked for a refining of the priorities in the Plan.

Having considered the advice of the PAG, the Portfolio Holder RESOLVED that the draft Air Quality Action Plan be approved for formal consultation and following consultation and feedback that the action plan be finalised for approval by Cabinet and DEFRA.