Air quality and pollution levels are a key concern both locally and nationally, and traffic emissions are monitored regularly at a number of locations around the Borough. In Guildford the two principal air pollutants are particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) both from traffic emissions.

Cllr Caroline Reeves, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee says: “Nationally, air pollution is the second-biggest public health threat after smoking. I am pleased that the in-depth work of the committee will now be taken forward to shape our new Air Quality Strategy for the Borough, and that Scrutiny Councillors will continue to contribute to this work. This is an excellent example of how Scrutiny can help shine a light onto an issue locally and work closely with our Executive to develop new policies as a result.”

Among the recommendations of the group were:

  • more air pollution monitoring locations

  • investigate use of new air monitoring technologies

  • address an upward trend in poor air quality in Bridge Street, Sandfields and York Road in central Guildford

  • investigate nitrogen dioxide levels in Compton

Cllr Paul Spooner, Leader of the Council, adds: “We would like to thank the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the detailed work they have carried out to bring forward these recommendations. We are working closely with partners, including Surrey County Council, on a number of measures which will improve air quality in the Borough, including a sustainable movement corridor for the town centre. The next stage is to update our Air Quality Strategy, which we will now begin work on.”

Published on Thursday 23 March.