2.7 Air Quality and the Environment

2.7.1 We have achieved:

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

2.7.2 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

2.7.3 Our issues and future priorities are:    

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

2.7.4 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 remove the worst polluting vehicles from our roads
  • 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