We have an obligation to meet the national requirements for air quality and work to reduce air pollution through local air quality management.

Road transport has a big impact on our local air quality with both petrol and diesel vehicles emitting a variety of harmful pollutants which can affect the health of children, expectant mothers, those with existing health problems and the elderly.

Clean air for schools

Evidence shows that air pollution significantly increases at drop off and pick up times outside of schools. We've provided further information about air pollution outside schools, along with a Clean Air for Schools toolkit for teachers and their students.

DEFRA grant funding

Thanks to investment from the Government Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (DEFRA) Air Quality Fund, we have successfully secured £120,000 to invest a range of clean air initiatives, that includes:

• the purchase of 2 e-cargo vehicles to support Sea Front operations
• the creation of a short, animated film, aimed at educating visitors to the BCP Sea Front about air
• pollution and the steps that can be taken to keep the air clean
• an extension to the Clean Air for schools project

How you can help improve air quality

We can all help to reduce pollution in our area by making small changes to our daily routines which can have a big impact on the air quality and environment.

You can make a difference by: 

• not using your car for short journeys
• walking, cycling or taking the bus or train instead of using a car
• sharing your car journeys with friends and family

If you're using your car:

• maintain your car efficiently, having your car serviced regularly and keeping the correct tyre pressure
• drive smoothly and do not rev your engine unnecessarily, which will save fuel and emit less pollution
• turn off the engine when your car is stationary
• avoid heavily congested areas

At home:

• avoid lighting bonfires (if you must light a bonfire, only burn dry material and never household waste
• if you are using a wood burning stove or an open fire follow DEFRA's Burn Better, Breathe Better advice
• buy water based or low solvent paints, varnishes, glues and wood preservatives