Practical issues involved in developing effective local air quality management in the United Kingdom

摘要

In 1995 the government finally accepted that local authorities should play a key role in managing air quality, especially with regard to the growing problem of traffic pollution. It proposes a National Air Quality Strategy which requires local authorities to review local air quality periodically. Where air quality standards are not met, local authorities will be expected to designate such areas as Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) and to introduce measures to improve air quality over a specified timescale, subject to public consultation and government approval. Local authorities are promised new pollution control powers for AQMAs and the government will consider the resource implications of this new legislation. Whilst there is widespread support for these proposals this paper explores the many practical issues which need addressing and resolving before local air quality management will become effective where populations are at risk from poor air quality.