Data shows Leeds’ air quality improvement

Air pollution has continued a long-term decline in Leeds following city-wide action on the issue, data published by the city council has suggested.

The figures, revealed on Clean Air Day, show that air pollution hasn’t fallen back to pre-pandemic levels and a faster-than-average transition to plug-in vehicles, shifts in travel behaviour, and major highways improvements have all played a factor.

But despite the progress, air pollution is still linked to 54 of every 1000 deaths in the city, illustrating the size of the challenge.

The new data, which covers 2021, follows plans six years ago for Leeds being mandated by the UK Government to introduce a charging Clean Air Zone to tackle illegal levels of pollution.

The policy—combined with £8 million of financial support to businesses—led to an acceleration of cleaner vehicles over a four-year period.

The plans to introduce charges in Leeds were discontinued after the majority of the city’s taxis, buses, coaches, HGVs, and private hire vehicles switched to less polluting models, leading to significant air quality improvements.

Only a small number of air quality monitors in the city centre and near Kirkstall Road measured pollution levels (NO2) higher than permitted by national regulations in 2021 across the entire Leeds district.

Air quality at these locations is expected to improve following current or planned highways works. Each of the city’s six designated Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs)—neighbourhoods previously identified as being unlikely to meet clean air standards—are now compliant with national regulations and continue to improve.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member with responsibility for climate and air quality, said: “It is hugely reassuring to see this new data, which confirms that Leeds’ air quality hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic levels and is continuing to get better. “I am proud of the truly citywide effort that has made this progress possible.

“It is quite literally helping to save lives and making Leeds a healthier, better place to live. “Despite these improvements, 54 in 1000 deaths in Leeds can still be linked to air unhealthy air, so it is vitally important that we continue taking further action to bring down pollution levels even more. This council will lead by example to do just that.”

Image from Shutterstock

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