Lockdown prompts improved air quality in York

New analysis of data collected by City of York Council has revealed that air quality in York has improved by an average of 30 per cent during the coronavirus lockdown.

The analysis shows improvements in air quality (nitrogen dioxide concentrations) compared to ‘business as usual’ figures for specific areas of York where the council undertakes regular air quality monitoring. Average nitrogen dioxide reduction across all York sites is 30 per cent.

Over recent years, the council has introduced a number of measures to tackle poor air quality in the city, including: a Clean Air Zone for buses; retrofitting the world’s first fleet of electric double-decker sightseeing buses; and implementing a ‘pay-as-you-go’ fast-charge public electric vehicle recharging network consisting of 20 fast double headed charge points (40 sockets) in addition to five publicly accessible rapid chargers across the city.

Paula Widdowson, executive member for the environment and climate change, said: “We all have a responsibility to improve York’s air quality and this is an issue we have prioritised here in York, from launching the UK’s first voluntary Clean Air Zone, to investing in electric charging points across the city.

“Of course, the impact of the coronavirus lockdown has had a significant impact on air quality in the city, as many have stuck to the government’s social distancing guidance. However, the council has invested in a number of measures in recent years to help improve air quality in York, and we will continue to do so for the benefit of our communities.”