Press Release

Friday 11th July 2008

Monitoring levels of air pollution

An air quality monitoring unit has been installed by Fareham Borough Council on the Gosport Road in Fareham, to help in the ongoing monitoring of nitrogen dioxide (emitted in exhaust emissions from vehicles) over the next few years.

The Council declared two air quality management areas (AQMAs) in 2006/07 after previous tests had shown that the annual level of nitrogen dioxide along a section of the Gosport Road, Fareham and Portland Street, Fareham, had exceeded the national target.

Future efforts to reduce congestion on this road made by the public, local businesses including the bus companies, the Council and other organisations such as Hampshire County Council, should result in reduced levels of nitrogen dioxide, reduced health effects associated with poor air quality and the lifting of the AQMAs.

The air quality unit has been funded for three years by Fareham Borough Council and from grants received from Hampshire County Council and the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Further external funding will be required to operate a similar unit on Portland Street. The purchase and installation of the unit cost £20,000 and a further £30,000 will be required to operate it for three years.

Executive Member for Public Protection, Councillor Arthur Mandry, said: “A lot of work continues to be carried out to look into different ways of reducing the amount of nitrogen dioxide along the Gosport Road and Portland Street. This new equipment on the Gosport Road will help us to monitor the impact of actions designed to reduce congestion and exhaust emissions, and thus see what is working and what needs changing further.”

  

The Council also monitors nitrogen dioxide levels on a monthly basis at over 40 sites in the Borough including Portchester, Park Gate and Locks Heath using small diffusion tubes. The majority of these sampling tubes are now located on private properties with the cooperation of the occupiers. Results from these have been used to compile regular mandatory reports to the government on the air quality in the Borough and the continuous monitor will provide for a more accurate assessment of the outcome of future congestion improvement measures.

Further information regarding air quality can be found at: www.fareham.gov.uk or by contacting Regulatory Services on 01329 236100.

Ends

Notes to editors:

Nitrogen dioxide can have adverse effects on human health. It is an irritant gas that at high levels causes inflammation of the airways. It can exacerbate the health problems of persons with respiratory problems such as asthma and lung disease.

 

For Further Information Contact:

Sue Mills, Publicity Officer, tel: 01329 824518

fax: 01329 821518, e-mail: publicity@fareham.gov.uk