Dorset Draft Air Quality Action Plan

This Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) has been produced as part of the council’s statutory duties required by the Local Air Quality Management framework. Although this Action Plan is created because of the declared Air Quality Management Area in Chideock for nitrogen dioxide, air quality (especially particulate matter) is an area of concern to Dorset residents and visitors. This plan outlines the measures the council will take to improve air quality for both nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter in the whole of Dorset Council’s area. This plan will be active between 2022 and 2027 and will link into the work that the council is doing as part of its declared climate change emergency. 

Air pollution is associated with several adverse health impacts. It is recognised as a contributing factor in the onset of heart disease and cancer. Additionally, air pollution particularly affects the most vulnerable in society: children and older people, and those with heart and lung conditions.  

Cllr Laura Miller Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Customer & Community Services, said: 

“In this Air Quality Action Plan, we outline how we’ll tackle air quality issues within our control. We recognise that there are many air quality policy areas that are outside of our influence, but for which we may have useful evidence. We will continue to work with regional and central government on policies and issues beyond Dorset Council’s direct influence.” 

Air quality will be considered, as part of the action plan, within the review of the Dorset Council Local Plan, transport schemes and other policy areas which are looking to reduce vehicle use, either by encouraging active travel, by reducing travel demand, or increase the use of non-diesel and petrol vehicles. By taking this more strategic approach, air quality and the associated health outcomes should improve more generally across Dorset. 
Paper copies of the survey will be available through your local library.