February 18 2016.


Following the declaration of an Air Quality Management Area, Lewes District Council has prepared a draft Air Quality Action Plan for the area surrounding the Newhaven Ring Road to address the high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to which people are exposed. Road transport is the main source of these emissions and particularly diesel vehicles in stop-start traffic. This results in very poor air quality which adversely impacts on health.

Councillor Paul Franklin, Lead Member at Lewes District Council said: “I strongly urge people to switch off their engines when they are waiting at the swing bridge or railway crossing. This is a simple but effective way of improving air quality. There are plans to get signs in place to remind everyone to remember to switch off when queuing in traffic. Let us know what you think about the actions we have planned to improve air quality in the future by looking at the draft Air Quality Action Plan and completing the online survey. We are aware that many of the objectives set out in the action plan can only be achieved through partnership working and securing future funding.”

Lewes District Council is encouraging people to respond to the online survey by the 30th of April. In addition the Council is holding a “drop-in” event on Thursday the 3rd of March between 3.00pm and 8.00pm at the Hillcrest Centre, Newhaven, where people can find out more about the plans to improve air quality.

The Council is working closely with East Sussex County Council who have responsibility for traffic management policies in town centres. These traffic management policies are highlighted in the action plan and are key to reducing nitrogen dioxide emissions. LDC will also be working with other partners to bid for future funding, as many of the objectives set out in the action plan can only be secured through partnership working and investment.

Over the coming months LDC will continue to consult with local residents, businesses and community groups to exchange views and ideas on a variety of ways to further improve air quality in and around the Newhaven ring road.

The Council’s online questionnaire and further information about the Draft Air Quality Action Plan can be viewed by visiting: www.lewes.gov.uk/newhavenairquality

The consultation will remain open until the 30th of April and comments will be reviewed and taken into account when the final version of the Action Plan is compiled.