Pollution and air quality

The most significant local source of pollution in our borough that we can influence is vehicle emissions. A Low Emission Strategy (LES) has been approved to address the health impacts of poor air quality. The primary objective of the LES is to reduce traffic emissions.

We can do this by promoting sustainable transport which includes the use of low emission vehicles and technology. We can also discourage the use of high emitting vehicles where possible.

The LES is based upon three key principles for the reduction of emissions:

• Shift - change mode of transport from cars to public transport, cycling or walking
• Avoid - reduce the distance driven, reduce emissions from stationary vehicles, chimneys and construction
• Improve - improve our use of the latest vehicle technology to reduce emissions (specifically low emission vehicles)

Air quality

Air quality across Cheshire West and Chester is generally good but there are a few locations where recommended levels have been exceeded. As a result, three Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) have been declared due to nitrogen dioxide emissions from road traffic:

• Whitby Road/Station Road in Ellesmere Port
• Chester city centre
• Fluin Lane in Frodsham

Another pollutant of concern is particulate matter, known as PM10 and PM2.5 (small particles less than 10 and 2.5 micrometres in size), which can be inhaled deep into the lungs.

Particulate matter comes from different sources including vehicle exhausts, open fires, wood burning stoves and natural sources. Although this doesn't exceed the standards locally, there is a significant health impact. Any reduction in airborne levels will deliver improvements in people’s health.

The LES will deliver projects across the borough. It will also complement individual Air Quality Action Plans (AQAPs) needed for each AQMA.

Electric Vehicle Charge Points

The LES seeks to encourage the uptake of electric vehicles in the borough and one way of doing this is to install electric vehicle charge points (EVCPs) for the use of residents, visitors and businesses. From May 2021, six council car parks close to areas where residents lack off-street parking, have been equipped with EVCPs, ideal for overnight or long-stay charging. Each car park below has two double-socket ‘fast’ chargers, enabling four EVs to charge at once:

• Bishop Street car park - Chester
• Brook Street car park - Chester
• Shrewsbury Road car park - Ellesmere Port
• Moor Lane car park - Frodsham
• Chester Road car park - Neston
• Park Street car park – Northwich

We have also installed two rapid 50 kilowatt EVCPs and a fast charger outside the boat museum in Ellesmere Port. Being close to the M53 and Stanlow, the rapid chargers are well suited to quick top-ups by passing trades, taxi drivers and the general public. Details and locations of all these chargers, as well as the wider networks of EVCPs can be viewed on Zap Map.