Council reveals plans to improve air quality in Oxfordshire

South Oxfordshire District Council has released its proposals which it said will reduce pollution and improve air quality in the area.

Earlier this week, the local authority issued its draft to divert traffic away from Wallingford town centre, Herald Series reports.

These plans will help encourage more residents to leave their cars at home and walk or cycle around the area in order to reduce the amount of carbon emissions released.

Air quality officer at the council Simon Hill told the newspaper: "The crux of the problem is that Wallingford is a historic market town with narrow streets and it creates a canyon effect, trapping the car fumes."

He added that it is important to take measures "because of the long-term effects for the residents".

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has listed South Oxfordshire District Council as an Air Quality Management Area for its high level of nitrogen dioxide in Henley, Watlington and Wallingford.

Residents have been asked to have their say on the Wallingford Air Quality Action Plan until December 27th 2010.
Posted by Claire Manning