Recently I raised the issue of ‘clean air’ and suggested that we will soon need more of these low emission buses.
Well the government has published a draft plan to improve air quality by reducing nitrogen dioxide levels in the UK.
In line with their draft plan, the options are now open for consultation on reducing nitrogen dioxide in our towns and cities, and are designed to reduce the impact of diesel vehicles, and accelerate the move to cleaner transport.
Many of you will know that the Local authorities are already responsible for improving air quality in their area, but will now be expected to develop new and creative solutions to reduce emissions as quickly as possible, while avoiding undue impact on the motorist.
The government is consulting on a range of measures that could be taken to mitigate the impact of action to improve air quality.
In line with the timetable directed by the Courts the government is seeking views on these proposals in advance of preparing its final plan for publication by 31 July. All final decisions will be taken by the incoming government. Big Changes are likely. But perhaps the best way to look after our own interest here in Wolverhampton is to get the City Centre quickly turned into a Wolverhampton Statutory Quality Partnership scheme, like Birmingham already has.
My fear is that with only so many low emission buses on local services. The demand for buses of these type will quickly transfer to Birmingham who have an active SQP to deal with the air pollution problems of Birmingham at the expense of Wolverhampton.
Air quality is a real issue because this Government have done little to deal with it, now everyone is in a rush, because of a Court ruling!