Two air quality zones in Erewash, which have been monitored for pollution levels over the last 20 years, are to be lifted.
Erewash Borough Council’s Executive has agreed to revoke the orders – affecting two areas in Long Eaton and Sandiacre next to the M1 motorway - after a detailed assessment confirmed that nitrogen dioxide levels in both areas are now consistently and significantly below the national air quality objective.
A report at a recent Executive meeting said the possibility of pollution exceeding the objective level again is not considered likely.
Levels have been falling over recent years, mainly due to the many improvement measures carried out to the M1 stretch, particularly around Junction 25.
Councillor Garry Hickton, Lead Member for Environment, says:
“This is welcome news, especially to those who live in the two zones. Regular monitoring and much hard work with our partners has ensured this outcome. I can also assure residents that monitoring in the two areas will continue to keep a check on pollution levels.”
The council has been liaising with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which has supported the lifting of the orders.
Across the borough, the council has a network of sites monitoring nitrogen dioxide emissions to ensure that they do not reach the national air quality objective levels. A total of 672 monitoring tubes are analysed each year as part of the council’s air quality monitoring programme.
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