Agenda item

To receive an update on Air Quality.

RECEIVED an update on the Air Quality Action Plan in the Borough.

NOTED that the plan has 27 actions listed in the new document. The Consultation period has now elapsed and the GLA have approved the final document. The new AQAP is a living document, with the annual implementation to be reported as part of the Air Quality Status report submitted to the GLA, the next one due in the Summer 2023.

IN RESPONSE the following comments/questions were received:

Q.        Regarding the consultation process, were primary and secondary schools’ part of the engagement process

A.        The Council’s Traffic & Transportation team are working with schools on anti-idling, speaking to parents at primary schools, as this fits in with the Environment curriculum on primary schools. There was no interest from secondary schools regarding anti-idling events at present.  It was encouraging to see young people speaking to drivers, asking them to switch their cars off and explaining the reasoning behind air pollution damaging health.  This was a very powerful message, the outcome of which was used in the consultation results.

Q.        Can newly introduced cyclists be directed to specific service providers to build up confidence of cycling on public roads.

A.        Enfield provide a cycle service and there are also new ability cycling classes.  There is one running at present in Bush Hill Park on Monday lunchtimes and outside working hours.  More information can be obtained from Richard Eason.

Q.        Good news regarding the Public Transport Network being accessible, although at the east of the borough there are some lovely paths that are not signposted, such as Millmarsh Lane and Mossops Creek.

A.        The Council will look into signage requirements in these areas.

Q.        An update was requested in respect of the key access at Gordon Hill Station, lifts or ramps required

A.        Funding from the TFL is required as part of an ongoing programme running over the last few years to improve station access and the Council are pushing TFL to do so at all Enfield stations.

Q.        An update on limiting school runs was requested.

A.        School Streets are continuing to be rolled out but there is a funding issue at present. The Council are supporting schools through the Starts Programme, 10 have been successful in this financial year.  There are currently reviews and revisions of those in place to get them sustainable.  Air quality outside schools has greatly improved.

Q.        How widespread was the consultation and how did the Council engagement the public.

A.        Consultation took place on the website and interested groups took part.

Q.        Wren Academy were interested in a School Street, can you please engage with them?

A.        Wren Academy are very strict with parents and do not allow them to drive up to the school.  The teachers do not have time to monitor this issue.

Q.        The culture in Enfield regarding School Streets and air pollution needs to be changed. Further discussions are needed with the young people, parents, and teachers.

A.        The Council now have a dedicated officer, liaising with schools and teachers, advising on road safety, cycling and parking behaviour.  Parking enforcement to go to the most reported schools facing difficulties. It must be noted that there is a staff/resourcing issue at present but volunteers are encouraged to help out with school streets.

Q.        How much pollution is seen through car omissions for the following:

            Fossil Omissions – response: with regard to tyre and brake wear, these figures will be sent out under separate cover. Action: Ned Johnson

            Wood Burning in the Borough (particulates in particular) - response: wood burning in the borough is not a big issue at present the whole of the borough is a smoke control area so in ordinary fireplaces only smokeless fuel can be burned. Defra has a list of approved appliances which allow residents to burn the fuel their appliance is exempt for i.e coal in an appliance exempt for coal.

            More local amenities needed - can this be added to the local plan as more shops are needed within walking distance: response: In the longer term once the number of private cars and traffic journeys are reduced through the implementation of further LTN’s and quieter streets, there will be a need to utilise more public spaces better.