Work is to begin on an action plan to improve air quality in Launceston following the declaration of the town as an Air Quality Management Area.

In 2017 Cornwall Council held a public consultation to ask people for their views on air quality in Launceston. 

People who responded to the consultation agreed action was needed to improve air quality in the town. 

The official designation of the Air Quality Management Area formally acknowledges that need and is the first step towards creating an action plan for Launceston.

Councils are required to monitor air quality in their area against national targets and to declare areas with poor air quality as Air Quality Management Areas. 

Cornwall Council has been keeping an eye on Launceston’s levels of nitrogen dioxide, which comes from car and lorry exhaust, since 2016. 

This long term monitoring has confirmed that the Newport area of the town, particularly St Thomas Road and Newport Square, has excessive levels of traffic related nitrogen dioxide. 

Sue James, Cornwall Council cabinetmember for environment and public protection, said: “Declaring the area is an important first step for the town.

“The ideas that local people shared with us last autumn are helping us with the next step of drafting an action plan to improve Launceston’s air quality.

“In the meantime I would urge everyone driving through Launceston to think about what they can do to cut down on traffic emissions.

“If everyone makes small changes then the community could together make a difference.

“Please consider walking or cycling on shorter journeys, turning off your car engine when in stationary traffic and next time you change your vehicle check out the emission levels.”

There are eight other Air Quality Management Areas in Cornwall, which include Tideford and Gunnislake.

As part of its ‘Clean Air for Cornwall’ strategy, Cornwall Council has introduced a range of projects and policies. 

These include promoting walking and cycling, improving public transport, introducing car clubs, setting emission standards for taxis, minimising emissions from bus and works vehicle fleets, requiring electric vehicle charging points in new build homes, working with employers and schools to develop travel plans, and promoting mixed use development in areas close to public transport and facilities.