Plan to lower Southend’s emissions

November 5, 2018 by Southend Borough Council

Southend councillors are to consider adopting a borough-wide “low-emissions strategy” as part of its work to improve the town’s air quality. 

Southend-on-Sea Borough Councils cabinet will consider an officer report laying out measures the council could take to “improve health outcomes through reducing emissions from transport” and “supports sustainable development” across the borough. The strategy is closely linked to - and is a key component of - the Council’s Air Quality Action Plan”.

Central to the strategy are reducing transport emissions, using technology to measure and report on traffic, air quality and its causes more effectively and supporting the shift to electric and low-emission vehicles.

The strategy also outlines how the council can support lower emissions by ensuring that air quality is considered in its development control and procurement processes.

Cllr Mark Flewitt, cabinet member for public protection, welcomed the report. 

He said: “In June this year, the Council adopted its first Air Quality Action Plan, the top priority of which was reducing transport emissions. I am pleased to see a plan come forward so quickly.

“Taking action to improve air quality is crucial to improving the health of our town’s population. There is growing evidence that air pollution is a significant contributor to preventable ill health and early death. 

“As a council, we need to take action. I look forward to discussing this plan with my council colleagues.”

A decision on whether to adopt the low emissions strategy is scheduled to be made at a meeting of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s cabinet on 6 November.

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