Fareham: Clean air zones revoked after reduced pollution

The first clean air zone was implemented in Fareham in 2006

A town's reduced pollution levels mean it no longer legally requires its clean air zones, a council has announced.

Fareham Borough Council was ordered to impose two Air Quality Management Areas in 2006 and 2007 after high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were detected.

In 2008 it published an action plan with 48 measures, including to improve public transport and encourage cycling.

The authority said it had now not exceeded NO2 levels deemed acceptable by the government since 2018.

Two continuous analysers were installed at Gosport Road and Portland Street to measure traffic related NO2 concentrations.

"Due to improved air quality in the borough, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has confirmed that it is no longer necessary for Fareham to retain its two Air Quality Management Areas," the council said in a statement.

"Fareham Borough Council will continue to have a duty to review and assess local air quality and report to DEFRA on it annually.

"As a result, the council will retain its two continuous analysers and will continue to have nitrogen dioxide diffusion tubes placed around the borough."

The authority said it was working on a new air quality plan to ensure the improvements continued.

Councillor Joanne Burton, who is in charge of health issues at the council, said: "We are delighted that our two Air Quality Management Areas have been revoked as it clearly demonstrates that the measures we have put in place since 2008 have paid off.

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