24 May 2017

Following a Detailed Assessment (DA), Woking Borough Council has officially declared an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) along Guildford Road between Constitution Hill and Ashdown Close.

The AQMA has been declared following an average Nitrogen Dioxide reading of 40.3 micrograms per cubic metre (ug/m³), which exceeded the Government’s National Objective of 40 ug/m³. An action plan to reduce this level will now be produced in partnership with key agencies.

Cllr Beryl Hunwicks, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environmental Control, said: “Tackling poor air quality and improving the health of our residents is one of our key priorities. The declaration of the AQMA along part of Guildford Road is an important positive step towards improving the quality of the air in and around this area.

“We will now work closely with Surrey County Council, as the Highways Authority, and other key agencies to produce an Air Quality Action Plan to identify steps to reduce Nitrogen Dioxide levels along Guildford Road to ensure air quality is improved.

“Whilst high readings of Nitrogen Dioxide are often due to pollution from vehicles on or close to our busiest roads, it is important to emphasise that it is not an indication of declining air quality levels across the Borough, as air quality within the Borough is monitored regularly and is generally good.”

There are 33 Nitrogen Dioxide measuring tubes strategically located across the Borough that are continuously monitored by the Council’s Environmental Health Team.

For more information, please contact Woking Borough Council’s Environmental Health Team on 01483 755855 or alternatively, for frequently asked questions, please visit www.woking.gov.uk/airquality

Article by Woking Borough Council