Air quality in two fumes-filled parts of Lancashire have improved, council chiefs said today.
Part of Station Road, Bamber Bridge, and the junction of Leyland Road and Brownedge Road, Lostock Hall, were both designated as ‘Air Quality Management Areas’ in 2005 because of the levels of nitrogen dioxide in the air caused mostly by queues of standing traffic.
But South Ribble Council today said nitrogen dioxide levels have now fallen significantly in both areas.
It is mainly because of reductions in road traffic emissions, especially HGVs and buses, according to council bosses.
Coun Phil Smith, South Ribble Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for regeneration, leisure and healthy communities, said: “When we made the Air Quality Management Area designations back in 2005, the level crossing in Bamber Bridge and the traffic lights in Lostock Hall kept traffic standing still for some fairly lengthy periods and exhaust fumes were pushing nitrogen dioxide levels slightly higher than we’d have liked.
“Thankfully newer vehicles now have lower emissions, making them less harmful to the environment than they were even a few years ago.
“Generally speaking, the air quality in South Ribble is very good, but we are far from complacent on this issue and will continue to monitor all areas to ensure pollution levels remain low.”
The council is now consulting with residents on plans to lift the special designations in both these areas.
The consultation runs until November 30 and people can comment on the proposals by writing to the Environmental Health department, South Ribble Borough Council, Civic Centre, West Paddock, Leyland.
Alternatively, residents can email their comments to env@southribble.gov.uk.
In addition to those at Bamber Bridge and Lostock Hall, here are two further Air Quality Management Areas in South Ribble, at Victoria Road in Walton-le-Dale, and the junction of Priory Lane and the A59 Liverpool Road, Penwortham.
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