9.3 Future Plans
9.3.1 Our key challenge remains to ensure that we can meet EU limit values for NO2 for 2010 and this means that whilst the broader elements of the Air Quality action plan should continue to be monitored, it is now vital we identify a core set of actions from within the current plan that can deliver quantifiable benefits.
9.3.2 In the first half of the LTP2 period the particular strength of the AQAP has been in integrating disciplines and integrating air quality considerations within planning and appraisal processes (such as for congestion management measures). By its very nature the governance structure for such an action plan needs to be fairly dispersed and complex. However, in order to achieve quantifiable benefits a central team is needed to provide governance for the delivery of a core set of emissions focused actions to the end of LTP2.
Partnerships
9.3.3 Significant emissions reductions can be achieved through stronger alliances with partners such as the Highways Agency, VOSA and bus and freight operators. We have made some progress on this front, but the following sections will highlight where further specific work is required with partners to deliver real impacts.
9.3.4 We have made progress jointly with the Highways Agency in improving the sharing of monitoring data and as mentioned above HA have recently produced a baseline diffusion tube survey of the motorway network. Further work is needed to enable better alignment of forecasting models, in particular through sharing of traffic data. This will enable joint appraisal and evaluation of network improvement schemes on both the motorway and surrounding local roads. We have also made efforts to develop our partnership with VOSA in the enforcement of dirty diesels through the Cleaner Vehicles Campaign
9.3.5 The proposals for an overarching Environment Commission for Greater Manchester will provide an effective partnership governance structure for delivering local air quality and climate change objectives.
Climate change strategies
9.3.6 In the early years of LTP2 the particular strength of the AQAP has been in integrating disciplines and integrating air quality considerations within planning and appraisal processes (such as for congestion management measures). Seven of the ten Authorities have adopted Local Area Agreement targets for NI186 (per capita emissions of CO2) and two have adopted targets for NI185 (CO2 emissions from LA operations). This will require the use of a robust evidence base to inform the prioritisation of measures on the basis of emissions savings. Many of these measures will align with the AQAP.
Promotional material
9.3.7 The provision of information and interactive resources is vital to integrating emissions considerations into personal and business travel choices. A key action will therefore be to develop the Greatair Manchester website (www.greatairmanchester.org.uk).
Appraisal, monitoring and evaluation of emissions reductions
9.3.8 We will work towards developing an emissions calculation tool to better guide the appraisal of individual schemes as well as area wide impacts. In this respect the Air Quality Working Group is considering the recent consultation on Local Air Quality Management guidance (July 2008) with reference to the economic assessment of action plan measures.
9.3.9 Studies have been commissioned by PTEG, part funded by GMPTE, to gain a better understanding of the climate change implications of PTE activities, provide information for carbon footprinting and assess technologies that could reduce climate change gas emissions (and local air pollutants) from buses. This work is due for completion in 2008.
Low Emissions Strategy
9.3.10 The LTP Air Quality Working Group is monitoring developments nationally and internationally in order to better understand how a GM low emissions strategy can contribute to short to medium term uptake of low emissions technology. In particular, via Wigan’s membership of the Beacon Low Emissions Strategy working group we hope to be closely involved with the development of Low Emissions Strategy guidance.
9.3.11 Future development of low emission strategies in the final years of LTP2 should take account of the rapidly diversifying and decentralising energy market. There are unlikely to be any panaceas, as has been highlighted by the potential pitfalls of introduction en masse of first generation biofuels. Whilst electric vehicles will provide local air quality benefits in the short term, the carbon reduction benefits are reliant on future changes in the power generation sector, and potential alterations to the national grid to enable wider uptake.
Noise Action Plan
9.3.12 The Greater Manchester Public Protection Partnership has signed up to a joint GM approach to the development of a Noise Action Plan. This will seek to address hotspots of exceedance in a similar way to the AQAP. A noise mapping exercise has been completed for most of the Greater Manchester area and in many instances these maps show peaks of noise around the transport network, particularly the major routes, and this highlights the vital role that traffic and maintenance management will have to play in the future plan. However, we await further guidance from DEFRA prior to developing our detailed approach and joint working structures, in particular with Manchester Airport and the Highways Agency for example.