Progress with the development and implementation of Air Quality Management practices in urban areas of England

摘要

Air Quality Management (AQM) is the process by which air quality control is currently being undertaken in England. The process is designed to address air quality issues at a local scale in a holistic manner through the defining and securing of a suite of air quality objectives. A long term view is required, which will necessitate air quality considerations becoming embedded in other policy areas, particularly transport planning, land-use planning and development planning. In order for the AQM process to be successful, these different policy areas (and professions) will need to collaborate, not only within local authorities, but between neighbouring authorities and with other outside agencies. This paper critiques the AQM process as it is being implemented in England, and assesses how local authorities are working with each other (between departments and between neighbouring authorities) and also how other agencies and authorities, businesses and the public are being involved. Results are presented from a questionnaire survey involving all the above sectors undertaken in mid-1998. It is concluded that substantial progress has been made with the AQM process. At the present time, environmental health and transport planners seem to be engaging with the AQM process more than other professions. The lack of inclusion of other professions is an issue that requires urgent attention.