Air quality review

The review and assessment of Oxford's air has taken place over a number of years through a series of reports. Local Air Quality has been assessed in relation to objectives for air pollutants in the UK Air Quality Regulations and Air Quality Strategy. At each stage the Local Air Quality Management Policy Guidance issued by DEFRA has been followed.   

First and Second stage

The first step was carried out in 1999, and involved a review of local sources of air pollution. The aim was to identify whether there was any indication that local pollution levels may exceed the statutory objectives.

This report identified sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter (PM10) as pollutants that required further investigation.

Third stage

The third stage review, carried out in 2000, looked at these pollutants in detail using modelling and monitoring techniques.

The results indicated that the air quality objective for:

1. Sulphur dioxide is likely to be met.
2. PM10 is likely to be met.
3. Annual mean nitrogen dioxide is not likely to be met at facades of buildings on some main roads in the city centre.

The report made a recommendation to declare an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) based on the areas at risk of exceeding the  annual mean air quality objective for nitrogen dioxide.

Following consultation, the Council declared an Air Quality Management Area for annual mean nitrogen dioxide covering the main traffic streets in central Oxford.

Fourth stage

This stage involved a closer examination of air pollution, using traffic data representing the post-Oxford Transport Strategy situation. It included estimates of the improvements necessary in air quality, and the extent to which different sources contribute to the problem. This forms the basis for the action plan for improving air quality in the city.

The assessment confirmed:

• the need for the AQMA declared after the third stage, with a small extension
• traffic emissions are the main source of pollution in central Oxford

Second round of Air Quality reviews and assessments

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) reviewed the process of Local Air Quality Management. A new policy document LAQM-PG(03) was issued. It was recommended to carry out the next round of local air quality reviews in two steps:

1. An Updating and Screening Assessment (USA), for identifying those aspects that have changed since the first round of reviews and assessments. The USA should conclude whether a further Detailed Assessment (DA) is required.
2. A Detailed Assessment for pollutants and locations that have been identified as requiring further work i.e where members of the public are likely to be exposed. The DA should conclude whether any existing AQMA needs to be amended or revoked.
   Future reviews and assessments should be undertaken by Local Authorities every three years, with annual progress reports in between.

The aim of the Local Air Quality Management Process, is to integrate the Local Air Quality Action Plan into the Local Transport Plan.

Page last reviewed 26 Feb 2008