A stretch of road in Lichfield is to become part of a £200,000 project aiming to improve air quality across Staffordshire.
The A38 route from Wall Island to Alrewas will be targeted as part of the initiative by Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council to tackling ‘anti-idling’ in vehicles and encouraging people to consider greener and active modes of travel.
Cllr Alan White, deputy leader and Cabinet member for health, care and wellbeing at Staffordshire County Council, said the money from the Government would be spent on local campaigns as well as exploring longer-term options to tackle the problem.
“We know that air pollution, especially from vehicles on some of our most congested main roads can cause many health issues and it’s important we do what we can to improve air quality for everyone,” he said.
“This funding is very welcome and will not only allow us to run some practical campaigns with local communities, schools and businesses but will also allow us to explore other longer-term solutions to the issue.
“We’ll also be bringing together expertise from our own public health teams and highways department and will be working closely with district and borough councils.”
The Government said the decision to devolve the finance down to regions would allow the to tackle the problem more effectively.
Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey said: “We have been clear that local leaders are best placed to develop innovative plans that rapidly meet the needs of their communities.
“This funding demonstrates the Government’s commitment to support the local momentum needed and continue to improve our air now and for future generations.
“Improving air quality is about more than just tackling emissions from transport, so later this year we will publish a comprehensive Clean Air Strategy. This will set out how we will address all forms of air pollution, delivering cleaner air for the whole country.”
