Northamptonshire councils launch air quality consultations

Both councils in Northamptonshire are looking at ways to improve air quality

Air quality could be improved with better public transport and by promoting electric vehicles, two councils have said.

North and West Northamptonshire councils are asking for people's views on how to maintain good air quality in the county.

The councils have each drafted action plans as part of the consultations.

West Northamptonshire Council said it would stop short of introducing an Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez).

In December, people campaigned for better air quality in Northampton

North Northamptonshire Council said its draft strategy measures included promoting and providing infrastructure for electric vehicles and active travel, dealing with traffic congestion, bus improvements and domestic burning restrictions.

Conservative Harriet Pentland, the council's executive member for climate and green environment, said: "Air quality in rural and urban areas of North Northamptonshire is predominately very good and is considered acceptable in our town centres.

"But we can always do more."

West Northamptonshire Conservative councillor David Smith, cabinet member for community safety, engagement and regulatory service, clarified that the local authority was "not looking at Ulez congestion charging like other councils have introduced".

The West Northants consultation is open until 1 April and North Northants until 7 April.