Wakefield air quality improves across district

Air quality has improved across Wakefield after levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) dropped below the legal limit, the council said.

There were previously eight Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) across the district, where NO2 levels exceeded the limit due to emissions from transport.

Wakefield Council has published its air quality annual status report which show an overall improving trend in the levels of NO2.

According to the report the air quality in Wakefield is "generally better now than it has been at any time since the 1960s".

Jack Hemingway, cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: "Breathing in polluted air affects our health and costs the NHS and our society billions of pounds each year.

"It's pleasing to see the progress we are making in reducing Nitrogen Dioxide emissions across the district, year on year.

"By publishing this report, we hope to inform people about the health benefits of improved air quality, to engage them in the process and participate in measures to help ensure sustainable improvements for the future."

He said the air quality was improving because emissions from transport were lower than they used to be.

However, he said it could be improved further if people walked or cycled more, used public transport or switched to zero or low emission vehicles.

An AQMA must be declared when a local authority finds any places where the target levels are not likely to be achieved.

The council will now review its AQMAs with a view to removing those that have been compliant over many years, a spokesperson said.

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