City of Lincoln Council is excited to announce a major improvement in air quality across the city.
This has resulted in the revocation of the city’s Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) for nitrogen dioxide, a road traffic-related pollutant.
Thanks to years of hard work, and measures undertaken by the council, pollution levels in the city have seen significant improvement. This progress has allowed the city to revoke the AQMA, originally introduced to address traffic-related air pollution.
The findings were presented in the council’s Annual Status Report on Local Air Quality 2024, which has been endorsed by Defra (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) in support of the AQMA’s revocation.
The AQMA was first declared in 2001 because pollution levels in parts of the city were too high, especially near busy roads.
Now, after years of progress, the council’s latest report shows that air pollution has dropped so much that the AQMA is no longer needed.
Improvements in Lincoln’s air quality were a result of the opening of the Lincoln Eastern Bypass which helped reduce traffic and pollution along Canwick Road and Broadgate.
Natural renewal and improved vehicle technology also mean that cars, buses, and industrial equipment have become cleaner and more efficient over the years, producing less pollution.
Local measures such as the council working on several projects to tackle pollution and make the air cleaner have also contributed to the improvement in air quality. Local measures are presented in the city council’s Annual Status Reports, with the latest 2024 Report recently being submitted to Defra for approval.
Since the AQMA was last updated in 2018, air quality in Lincoln has continued to improve. By 2019, every area of the city was meeting national air quality standards, and this has stayed the same ever since. The council’s monitoring shows that pollution has not been close to the danger level in over five years.
Even though the AQMA is being removed, the council will keep a close watch on air quality.
A new air quality strategy will be created to ensure Lincoln’s air stays clean. The strategy will highlight a detailed consultation process involving the community and local businesses to make sure any new problems are dealt with quickly.
Naomi Tweddle, City of Lincoln Council Leader and Executive Member for Addressing the Challenge of Climate Change, said:
“This is fantastic news for Lincoln. Cleaner air means improved health for everyone and ensures our city is a better place to live and work.
“Thank you to everyone who has helped us achieve this milestone. We will continue working hard to ensure our air remains clean for the future.”
Cllr Bob Bushell at City of Lincoln Council, said:
“This achievement is a testament to the collective efforts of our community, local businesses, and partners.
“While this milestone is worth celebrating, we remain vigilant and committed to ensuring our air quality continues to meet and exceed national standards.”
City of Lincoln Council will continue working closely with Defra and other partners to formally notify stakeholders of the AQMA revocation and to lay the groundwork for its forthcoming air quality strategy.