NO2 levels too high on some roads but HGV ban through town ‘unlikely’

The statement made by West Berkshire Council yesterday (Wednesday), comes the week after the European Commission criticised NO2 levels, which it said were excessive in some UK cities.
Last month, officers from West Berkshire and Hampshire county councils met to discuss the potential for restricting HGVs travelling on the A339 through Newbury as one possible way to reduce high NO2 levels at junctions along the commuter route.
In accordance with the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010, enforced under the Environment Act 1995, all local councils are required to conduct air quality reviews, monitoring nine common air pollutants.
Areas found to be exceeding the limit of 40 micrograms (mcg) per cubic metre should be designated an air quality management area and plans should be drawn-up to minimise and reduce levels in that area.
NO2 levels should also not exceed 200 mcg per cubic metre more than 18 times a year.
According to the council’s website, all air quality objectives in West Berkshire are being met except for nitrogen dioxide.
In 2009, the A339 junction at the A343 Andover Road and Greenham Road was declared an air quality management area, with NO2 levels 30 per cent higher than permitted, and in 2011 the A4 Thatcham, between Harts Hill Road and The Broadway, was also exceeding the limit.
In 2012, the A339 between the Robin Hood and Bear Lane roundabouts was measured to have 55.9mcg of NO2 per cubic metre, while Chapel Street, Thatcham, measured 45mcg.
West Berkshire Council has not confirmed if 200mcg of NO2 per cubic metre had been exceeded more than 18 times a year at any of its monitored areas.
A spokeswoman for the district council, Peta Stoddart-Crompton, said that “other measures to reduce the impact of traffic – particularly HGVs – are being explored”.
The news fell flat with shadow portfolio holder for transport, Keith Woodhams (Lib Dem, Thatcham West) who said that the decision had not been discussed by the transport policy task group, of which he is a member.
“It’s shocking... the task group hasn’t had the opportunity to consider the issue,” he said. “If we want to improve the air quality through the centre of Newbury we need to do something positive. If HGVs are coming through unnecessarily and it’s a short-cut, we ought to be considering alternative routes.
“People’s health should be coming before HGV short-cuts.
“It’s not only air pollution but it’s also having a dramatic affect on the road surfaces as well. These HGVs are getting heavier and heavier and churning up the road surfaces, which costs the taxpayer.”