New clean air plan for Cornwall

Cornwall Council is pledging to improve air quality for residents in a new clean air strategy which includes plans to speed up the switch to ultra-low emission vehicles.

The new Clean Air for Cornwall Strategy 2019-2024 also outlines proposals to provide more public electric car charging points and replace the council’s fleet of diesel vehicles to run on electric-powered or alternative lower emission fuels.

This follows already released proposals to help Cornwall strive towards becoming carbon neutral ahead of the government's national target of 2050, such as a Forest for Cornwall which would see carbon-absorbing woodlands being planted across the Duchy.

Furthermore, the new Clean Air Strategy outlines Cornwall Council’s plans to reduce emissions from its own activities and group of companies, including plans to implement the council’s vision for 100 per cent of its energy to be provided from renewable sources, and information on sources of indoor air pollution in homes and workplaces and how to reduce it.

Rob Nolan, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Public Protection, said: “The health of Cornwall residents is of paramount importance to Cornwall Council and improving local air quality is a key priority.  Air quality in Cornwall is generally very good but there are areas where traffic-related levels of pollution need to be improved.

“The Clean Air Strategy is an essential document for Cornwall Council, our community and our partners. It offers a range of interventions and policies that will contribute to tackling poor air quality and ensure future activities and developments help to continually improve air quality and the wellbeing and sustainability for residents and visitors. It is worth noting that traffic pollution hangs in tight pockets on busy roads but reduces considerably with distance away from the road. Our new air quality interactive map can help pedestrians and cyclists find alternative routes away from busy traffic.”