Fresh move to improve Cannock air quality
A fresh bid has been launched to improve the air quality on main routes in Cannock amid fears there is too much pollution.
A report in 2008 revealed a stretch of the A5 between Churchbridge and the Turf Island at Norton Canes had high levels of pollution, exceeding Government guidelines.
Nitrogen dioxide levels of 49.1 ug/m3 were recorded that year, which breached government air quality objectives of 40 ug/m3.
That sparked an action plan from Cannock Council to tackle the problem. The levels have since fallen and now stand at 39 ug/m3 – but bosses say further reductions are still required. And they admit they have been unable to take many of the measures they had planned due to issues including roadworks and management of the road. However a new report has now been drawn up in the hope it will be adopted by the council.
Ideas include installing vehicle operated signals at Churchbridge Traffic island to encourage traffic to use Lodge Lane instead of the A5. This is currently being considered by the Highways Agency and the county council.
The levels of pollution will continue to be monitored in the coming months. It is hoped some of the proposals will be taken forward in the next financial year.
A report to the council states: "The process of developing the action plan has been difficult and protracted, due to a number of uncertainties associated with the future management of the A5, and the severe limitations in terms of improving emissions from strategic trunk roads such as the A5."
