Have your say on plans to improve town's air quality

The plan was drafted by the district council following the declaration of an Air Quality Management Area. It aims to address the high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to which people are exposed, which is mainly a result of road transport emissions - particularly diesel vehicles in stop-start traffic.

Councillor Paul Franklin, Lead Member at Lewes District Council, said: “I strongly urge people to switch off their engines when they are waiting at the swing bridge or railway crossing. This is a simple but effective way of improving air quality. There are plans to get signs in place to remind everyone to remember to switch off when queuing in traffic.

“Let us know what you think about the actions we have planned by looking at the draft Air Quality Action Plan and completing the survey.

“We are aware many of the objectives set out in the action plan can only be achieved through partnership working and securing future funding.”

Lewes District Council is encouraging people to respond to the online survey by April 30. In addition, the council is holding a “drop-in” event on Thursday, March 3 between 3 and 8pm at the Hillcrest Centre, Newhaven, where people can find out more about the plans to improve air quality.

The council is working closely with East Sussex County Council, which has responsibility for traffic management policies in town centres.

These traffic management policies are highlighted in the action plan and are key to reducing nitrogen dioxide emissions. The council will also be working with other partners to bid for future funding as many of the objectives set out in the action plan can only be secured through investment.

Over the coming months, the council will continue to consult with local residents, businesses and community groups to exchange views and ideas on a variety of ways to further improve air quality in and around the Newhaven ring road, which incorporates the A259 Brighton Road, Southway, Northway, Swing bridge and Lewes Road between the junction with Northway and Ship Street.

The council’s online questionnaire and further information about the Draft Air Quality Action Plan can be viewed by visiting www.lewes.gov.uk/newhavenairquality.

The consultation will remain open until April 30 and comments will be reviewed and taken into account when the final version of the Action Plan is compiled. For details, email [email protected] or call 01273 471600.

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