2nd Local Transport Plan Progress Report

Summary

This section deals with the air quality shared priority.

We have achieved:

• Our Air Quality targets, having reduced NO_x emissions by 10.7% since 2004.
• Our target for keeping CO₂ emissions from road transport within limits.

Through the following actions:

• 30% more buses with particulate reduction equipment.
• Exploring in detail the links between transport and air quality through the improved EMIGMA emissions database –now one of most comprehensive in the country.
• Ensured that Metrolink is the first UK tram system to use carbon free electricity for its traction current.
• Town Centre pedestrianisation schemes.
• Roadside vehicle emissions testing

Our issues and future priorities are:    

• To reduce transport's contribution to CO₂ emissions
• To meet national and EU objectives for local air quality

And to achieve these we will:

• To take advantage of available and emerging low emissions technology by accelerating its uptake throughout GM.
• Forming more explicit links between local air quality and work within the LTP, for example between transport and environmental health officers.
• To continue to promote active travel
• To improve our understanding of air quality conditions and processes, and the effect of our interventionsContinue to set an example by setting ambitious low-emission targets for Local Authority owned fleets.
• Exploit the potential to improve air quality by seeking a reduction in HGV emissions.
• Develop links to ‘Smarter Choices’ work.
• Establish car clubs with low emission technology where appropriate.
• Improve air quality monitoring, especially with regard to transport interventions.
• Continue vehicle emissions testing to remove grossly polluting vehicles from the roads, and increase awareness of the issues