Park Street Air Quality Management Area
Background
Since air quality monitoring of Bridgend’s Park Street began in 2007, results have shown nitrogen dioxide slightly exceeding allowed yearly levels. The latter is 40 microgrammes per cubic metre (40µg/m3). Due to these high readings, we made part of Park Street an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA), as the below plan shows. This started on 1 January 2019.
Creating an AQMA is a positive step. It gives focus and means for considering and applying appropriate measures to boost air quality both in the area and around it. These improvements are closely linked to protecting Bridgend residents’ health and well-being.
(The image has crown copyright and database rights associated with 2018 Ordnance Survey 100023424).
Developments since Park Street AQMA began
The Park Street AQMA has been in place for nearly 12 months. During that time, we have worked across our services and other agencies to identify several possible measures to improve the area’s air quality.
Also we have been making arrangements for a real time air quality monitoring station to be installed in the Park Street AQMA.
Next steps
Soon, the above draft measures will be consulted on to finalise a list of measures for the Air Quality Action Plan. It is expected that several preferred measures will be used as part of a detailed assessment to probe their likely effect on air quality/traffic. Residents and other interested parties will have several ways to respond to the consultation. Then, we have until 30 June 2020 to develop a draft action plan to address air quality, and a further six months more to implement the plan.
It is hoped that near real-time monitoring of Park Street’s air quality data will be available online early in the new year. This will enable residents and other interested parties to view it whenever they want.
Before this, there will be several informal drop-in sessions as noted below.
The drop-in sessions
Those attending the sessions will be able to:
- discuss with officers any queries or concerns they may have
- make suggestions for improving air quality
- generally learn more about the AQMA and the legislative framework that supports air quality compliance in Wales
The sessions will all take place at the below address.
Contact:
Bridgend Life Centre
Address:
Angel Street,
Bridgend,
CF31 4AH.
| Session | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | Friday 13 December 2019 | 8:30am to 11am |
| Session 2 | Friday 13 December 2019 | 4:30pm to 7pm |
| Session 3 | Wednesday 18 December 2019 | 8:30am to 11am |
| Session 4 | Wednesday 18 December 2019 | 4:30pm to 7pm |
There is no need to book, and residents can just drop into the session of their choice.
More information
Alternatively, please contact Shared Regulatory Services which monitors air quality for us.
Contact
Shared Regulatory Services
Telephone:
0300 123 6696