9.1 LTP2 Proposed Plans

9.1.1 In 2006 the Greater Manchester Air Quality Strategy & Action Plan (AQAP) was published as an integral part of the Greater Manchester Local Transport Plan 2 (GMLTP2) and in accordance with DEFRA’s guidance on Local Air Quality Management (LAQM, PART IV). The GMLTP2 highlighted improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions as a key priority in line with the shared priority for air quality between Government and the Local Government Association.

9.1.2 In Greater Manchester there is a long established tradition of joint working in local air quality management between the 10 local authorities, the GMPTE, Manchester Airport and the Highways Agency. The strategy and action plan was developed to maximise multi-stakeholder engagement and co-ordination in achieving real health and environmental benefits area wide by reducing local transport emissions and more specifically in contributing towards meeting national air quality objectives and commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Accordingly the SEA identified the following aims in relation to air quality and climate change

  • To help tackle climate change by minimising the increase in CO2 emissions from road traffic during the life of the plan, and help to meet targets to nationally reduce overall emissions of greenhouse gases by 12.5% below 1990 levels by 2008-2012;
  • To meet the National Air Quality Standards in all areas.

9.1.3 Specific aims for the AQAP were:

  • To ensure that air quality is integrated into other local authority plans, strategies and activities
  • To develop closer relationships with organisations that can help deliver improved air quality
  • To identify new partners that can work with the Greater Manchester authorities to improve air quality
  • To raise awareness of air quality issues amongst the population of Greater Manchester
  • To encourage individuals to recognise that they can make choices that can improve air quality.

9.1.4 The above aims provide a strategic approach to working with stakeholders with differing priorities to delivering air quality and climate change objectives which is vital in view of the cross-cutting nature of air quality and climate change considerations. The SEA further highlighted the importance of integrating transport and land use planning for the purposes of reducing carbon emissions from transport and Authorities anticipated that this would be addressed through their respective Local Development Frameworks.

9.1.5 The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) undertaken for LTP2 stated the objective that existing levels of annoyance from noise by traffic should not significantly increase. Measures within the LTP2 directed towards traffic calming, improved freight routing and the use of negative textured surfacing (as outlined in Authorities’ Transport Asset Management Plans) will contribute towards this objective.

9.1.6 The SEA made specific mention of soil and water management. In this respect it highlighted the following issues for consideration.

  • Maintenance programmes within the LTP should take account of the handling and treatment of contaminated run-off from road surfaces.
  • Drainage systems should be sufficient to cope with the volume of run-off
  • Maintenance regimes should also include routine inspection and cleaning of these features to make sure that they remain effective.
  • These actions are being incorporated into the TAMPs

9.1.7 Two recommendations arose from the SEA as regards biodiversity.

  • To incorporate mitigation banking to offset habitat loss through major schemes
  • To review maintenance programmes to assess impact on habitats and biodiversity

9.1.8 These actions are being incorporated into TAMPs as well as Environmental Assessments of major schemes.