Agenda item

The Scrutiny Panel to receive a presentation that sets the scene:

• “Overview of air quality in Northampton”

• Relevant national, other background research papers and relevant Legislation

• Relevant data:

ØHotspots and trends

ØDraft Low Emissions Strategy 2016/17

ØStatistical data, including national comparison

Neil Polden, Senior Environmental Health Officer, NBC and Andrew Whittles, Director, Low Emissions Strategy Ltd. gave the Scrutiny Panel two comprehensive presentations that set the scene, highlighting the salient points.

The Scrutiny Panel asked questions, made comment and heard:

·         It was noted that continuous monitoring takes place and locations in St James include Weedon Road – outside the bathroom shop, outside Maxi Save, corner near to the Respite House, 13-15 Weedon Road; others are located along St James Road – by the Barbers, the Bus Club, the flats (opposite the Thomas Beckett pub), Aberdeen Terrace, junction of Harlestone Road, along Harlestone Road and four on Spencer Bridge Road.

·         In response to a query regarding whether the eight pollutants exceed limits, the Scrutiny Panel was advised that this was just NOx.

·         1:20 deaths in Northampton attributed to particle matter. A Lancet report detailed that should someone reside 100 metres near to a major road they have a 10 per cent increased chance of a stroke.  Issues regarding pregnancy and living near to a busy road were referred to.

·         Northamptonshire County Council is responsible for traffic, Northampton Borough Council responsible for air quality.

·         65-70% of new vehicles are diesel; they have the same emissions as a  12 year old petrol car

·         The need for an orbital road system was highlighted.  It was acknowledged this would cost in the region of £150 million.  Busy and complex traffic junctions will continue unless a more strategic solution is found.

·         The Scrutiny Panel heard that a Euro 5 bus has the emissions of 177 cars; there are a lot of complexities.

·         The Scrutiny Panel was referred to a consultation questionnaire, there had been 108 responses.

·         It was noted that the Clean Air Act is 40 years old.

·         The Scrutiny Panel felt that there is the need to set a standard for buses, noting there are a number of old buses in Northampton.

·         In response to a query whether Euro 6 is enforceable; Andrew Whittles advised new vehicles have to comply to a certain standard (euro standards).  Bus companies usually turn over a bus every 15 years; however some are kept for 20-25 years.

·         The kit to convert a bus to Euro 6 costs £11,000, A new 9 metre bus would cost £90,000; a double decker £250,000 plus £120,000 for a hybrid.  Hydrogen powered buses cost around £500,000 to £1 million.

·         It is relatively easy to take Euro 3 and Euro 4 buses up to standard.

·         In response to a query why bus companies don’t in the main take up funding to convert their buses; the Scrutiny Panel heard that when you retrofit a vehicle it causes there to be an increase in fuel consumption of 1-2%.

·         In Reading a number of buses have been converted to methane and it has created an increase in passengers of 30%.  If there is a more attractive public transport system, more people will use it.

·         The Scrutiny Panel heard that some Local Authorities use Traffic Regulation Orders whereby buses have to be licensed and are only licensed if they are at a specified standard. 

·         Charging points and various initiatives by a number of car dealers were discussed.   It was noted that York has the most public charging facilities but the least electric cars. 

·         The Scrutiny Panel heard that taxi drivers are on board with the Low Emissions Strategy.  A lot of Private Hire vehicles are hybrid.

·         The proposed incinerator development at St James was referred to.  It was noted that should the development come forward and if it was above EU emission levels objections could be made; however, air quality is relevant to planning but not an over-riding issue.  The Scrutiny Panel suggested that a potential recommendation of its final report could be that Planning takes more account of air pollution statistics.

·         It was commented that the cycle routes in Northampton are poor.

AGREED:      That the information provided informs the evidence base of this Scrutiny Review.