Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) 2007 - Portland Street Fareham

The Detailed Assessment report indicated that levels of the air pollutant nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is a gas that can affect the respiratory system, are slightly above national standards on Portland Street Fareham.

 

Subsequently, an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) was declared on 1 December 2007 for Portland Street Fareham for NO2 associated with road traffic emissions.

 

The map of the area (622 Kb) covered by the Portland Street AQMA and the AQMA order (53 Kb) are available for viewing at the Civic Offices, Civic Way, Fareham, Hampshire.

 

Air quality levels are not a measure of impact on individual health. However, the Government requires Fareham Borough Council to declare an AQMA and then consider ways of reducing the levels of nitrogen dioxide in and around the area. Now that an AQMA has been designated, the Council will be developing an air quality action plan in the next 2 years with a view to improving air quality in the area.

 

The success of the action plan will depend on communication with the public, the business community, the media etc and on the Council responding to feedback from such organisations. Other agencies such as Hampshire County Council through the Local Transport Plan 2006 – 11, will assist in the development of the action plan. Solutions may include car sharing and walk to school initiatives.

 

Fareham Borough Council must undertake a further assessment of air quality in the AQMA within the next 12 months. This will provide information for the action plan and assist in confirming the location of the AQMA.  Local authorities are able to amend or revoke an existing AQMA order at any time.

 

Fareham Borough Council has written to the occupiers of the properties in the AQMA explaining the situation and informing them of the need for further air quality review and assessment with a resulting improvement in air quality over the next few years.

 

New developments can have a significant impact on air quality. If a planning application is received for development in or near the AQMA and has potential to significantly increase road traffic, then it will be examined for air quality implications and appropriate conditions may be placed on any consent.