£1 million boost for local air quality projects
Air Quality Grant Programme for 2014/15 announced
Local authorities across England will benefit from a £1 million government grant to improve air quality as part of this year’s Air Quality Grant Programme.
The Grant Programme for 2014/15 will focus on supporting projects set up to tackle nitrogen dioxide levels and mitigate emissions from road transport.
Among the projects to receive grants last year were a £21,305 scheme to encourage cycling in Chichester, £18,950 to fund the introduction of 20mph zones in Cambridge and a £23,500 feasibility study for changing road layouts and HGV routes in North Hertfordshire.
Environment Minister Dan Rogerson said:
Air quality has improved significantly in recent decades and local authorities play a vital role - this funding will allow them to continue their good work.
Last year’s grant prompted a fantastic response and I look forward to seeing a similar variety of projects which will improve air quality for all of us.
It is hoped this grant will help raise awareness of the ongoing work between the UK government, local authorities and the European Commission to further improve air quality.
This year’s grant announcement comes as we publish the latest air quality projections across 43 zones in the United Kingdom for meeting European limits for nitrogen dioxide (NO2). These new projections reflect the most up to date understanding of future NO2 levels. The government is currently updating air quality plans and it will continue to work with the European Commission and local authorities to consider further measures.
Notes
- Applying under the Air Quality Grant Programme 2014 to 2015
- Local authority grant allocations in the 2013 to 2014 programme
- Information on revised air quality projections
- For any further information please contact Defra press office on 020 7238 6751