ENVIRONMENT bosses have been praised by a top government department for how air quality is being addressed in Bracknell Forest.
Borough chiefs submitted their annual air quality report in June 2019 but the department for environment, food and rural affairs (DEFRA) only recently responded to the analysis.
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The report identifies two areas in Bracknell Forest which have made “significant” contributions to poor air quality.
Bracknell’s A322 and the B3348 through Crowthorne show high levels of nitrogen dioxide — a pollutant which can lead to heart and lung conditions — and have therefore been declared as air quality management areas.
Council chiefs outlined how they will improve air quality in their report to DEFRA.
This involves reducing traffic congestion, promote sustainable methods of transport, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles and more.
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At a meeting of environmental health bosses from across Berkshire, Bracknell Forest councillor John Porter outlined some of the measures the authority has introduced.
He said: “On the A322 we have actually got dual carriageways coming so that should improve it.
“Our other initiative is on Crowthorne High Street where we are looking to take loading off the High Street.
“Since 2002 there has been an Act where you can enforce idling charges in public places, so we have got officers doing a piece of work on that.
“They will be looking at vehicles idling outside schools, outside hospitals, all those places where people are.”
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Other schemes listed in the report include changing traffic light speed to make cars move at a most constant pace and replacing speed humps with speed cushions in Crowthorne to reduce stop-start driving.
DEFRA’s response read: “Overall the report is highly detailed, satisfies the criteria of relevant standards, and is a good source for members of the public to find out about air quality in their area.
“The council should continue their good work and submit an annual status report in 2020”.
Councillors discussed report at a meeting on Thursday, January 30.
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