Sensors set to help Corby become "smarter and greener'

Air quality and traffic monitoring sensors will be paid for by the Corby Towns Fund

Air quality sensors will be installed in a town in an effort to make it "smarter and greener".

North Northamptonshire Council said 15 sensors will be put in place in Corby to observe pollution levels, alongside 25 traffic monitoring sensors.

They have been financed by the Corby Towns Fund, after the town was awarded £19.9m from central government in 2021.

The air quality sensors will collect data, which will be stored on a publicly accessible digital dashboard.

Data from the traffic monitoring sensors will help the council design future infrastructure "by identifying popular routes, areas of congestion opportunities to improve movement around Corby", the authority said.

Work to install the sensors is expected to be completed by May and the council said "plans have been put in place" to minimise disruption for local people.

North Northamptonshire Council said air quality data would be displayed on a public digital dashboard

Conservative councillor David Brackenbury said: "Corby is one of the fastest growing towns in England, with plans in place which will see this growth continue and the town reach a population of over 100,000.

"With this growth comes challenges for the town centre and it is important that we do all we can to manage this."

Jason Smithers, leader of the Conservative-controlled council, said: "This data will also allow us to see what the consequence of this growth is on the environment and in turn look at more active travel options to help mitigate the impact in future.

"The aim to achieve an increase in journeys to the town centre via net zero carbon modes, eventually moving towards net zero carbon emissions and to contribute towards making a green town centre."

A council consultation on air quality in North Northamptonshire will be open until 7 April.