Southend considers Low Emission Strategy

Councillors in Southend will meet today (6 November) to discuss the development of a Low Emission Strategy for the Essex town.

Development of the Plan comes as the council is seeking to build upon actions in its Air Quality Action Plan — set out in the summer, in response to high levels of nitrogen dioxide in the borough (see airqualitynews.com story).

Cllr Mark Flewitt, Southend’s cabinet member for public protection

At the cabinet meeting today, councillors will consider measures the council could take to “improve health outcomes through reducing emissions from transport” and “supports sustainable development” across the borough.

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.

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

Action plan

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.”