Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is asking residents and businesses for their views on a four-year Air Quality Action Plan designed to keep nitrogen dioxide levels permanently within legal limits across the town centre.
The plan covers 2026 to 2030 and builds on successful air quality improvements already made in Kidsgrove, Little Madeley, and the May Bank, Wolstanton and Porthill area.
What the plan includes
The council's approach focuses on practical and proportionate measures including tackling congestion, improving traffic flow, working with businesses and transport operators, and targeting pollution where evidence shows action is necessary.
Proposed initiatives include ensuring major developments consider and mitigate their impact on local air quality; supporting voluntary travel choices for residents, businesses and visitors; working with highways and transport partners to tackle congestion; providing practical information on reducing unnecessary emissions; and regulating permitted industries to monitor and enforce emissions standards.
Council's position
Cllr. Vanessa Renshaw, Cabinet member for Housing and Public Protection, said air quality figures for the town centre and surrounding main roads are usually within acceptable nitrogen dioxide limits, but there are still periods when those limits are exceeded.
"We want sensible and proportionate solutions which improve air quality and reduce congestion without unnecessarily penalising residents, motorists or local businesses," she said.
Previous improvements have included upgrades to older buses, improvements to local routes and campaigns to reduce unnecessary vehicle idling outside schools.
How to have your say
Residents and businesses can contribute to shaping the Air Quality Action Plan by emailing environmental_health@newcastle-staffs.gov.uk by Wednesday, 30 September. Further information is available on the Council's website.
Once adopted, air quality will continue to be monitored regularly, with an annual update presented each June.
