Clean Air for Warwickshire wants Warwickshire to be a county where:
Air pollution is a serious public health issue. It contributes to about 1 in 20 deaths in our town and affects the well-being of many of us, especially those with existing medical conditions. Everyone deserves to breathe clean, safe air that is within internationally agreed limits.
"Clean air is a basic requirement of human health and well-being. Air pollution, however, continues to pose a significant threat to health worldwide."
World Health Organisation Air Quality Guidelines
Warwick District Council figures show that traffic emissions are the biggest cause of local air pollution so Clean Air for Leamington is focusing on changing the way we travel to and move around our town.
"Air pollution is associated with a number of adverse health impacts. It is recognised as a contributing factor in the onset of heart disease and cancer. Additionally, air pollution particularly affects the most vulnerable in society: children and older people, and those with heart and lung conditions."
Warwick District Council Air Quality Annual Status Report 2020
Worrying though it is to see the how poor the quality of air is in Leamington, there are Steps Being Taken to Improve Air Quality?
We know that clean air is a key improvement that people want. As a result, local government, businesses and private households in the town are all doing things around you to help promote a better, cleaner environment.
The first objective in the ‘Transport’ section of the Royal Leamington Spa Neighbourhood Development Plan is ‘To reduce vehicle traffic emissions, improve air quality and increase access to and use of sustainable transport modes across Royal Leamington Spa’.
Below are some examples of organisations doing their bit for Clean Air in Leamington Spa:
Clean Air for Leamington Spa is actively working to achieve our vision of a town where air quality is excellent, people are prioritised over vehicles, there is a high degree of active travel and people actively support clean air. Some highlights include:
We have been working with WCC transport planners, trying to understand current measures intended to improve air quality and encourage planning decisions that prioritise sustainable modes of transport rather than motor vehicles. A Clean Air Zone is being explored, as are 20mph limits in town, and a comprehensive cycle network. As well as infrastructure changes, we want to see the behavioural changes, like ride-share to work and walk to school schemes that will decrease traffic flow and improve air quality. Our Air Quality Summit last October chaired by our MP Matt Western captured public attention and generated a lot of enthusiasm.
When viewed from the air Warwick and Leamington are part of a common urban area, both in the Warwick District Council area. The roads, railways, footpaths and canal cross both our towns - so what is good for Warwick is good for Leamington. Examples of things Clean Air Warwick are doing include:
Leamington Spa Town Council was established in 2002 to provide direct representation for the people of Leamington Spa, more information can be found on the Leamington Spa Town Council site.
Working within their remit, some of the ways in which the town council actively supports Clean Air include:
The Royal Leamington Spa Neighbourhood Development Plan 2019-2029 states that during extensive consultation ‘The number one priority …was the need to improve the network and facilities available to support the increased use of bicycles’ (5.4.7).
Cycleways is a local organisation, aiming to promote cycling in Warwick District.
Some of cycleways key activities include:
Warwick District Council is the Lower Tier Local Authority for Leamington Spa. The Warwick District Council pages explain their role and their responsibilities.
Within their remit, Warwick District Council are actively supporting clean air in Leamington and other parts of the district. Below are just a few examples:
Warwickshire County Council is the Upper Tier Local Authority for Leamington Spa. The Warwickshire County Council pages explain their role and their responsibilities.
Warwickshire County Council are actively supporting clean air in Leamington and other parts of the county.
The Government has published Decarbonising transport: a better, greener Britain
The Letter from Lord Bethell to Dr Jenny Harries, UKHSA chief executive relates to the establishment of the Health Security Agency and the new testing lab in Leamington. Perhaps the most interesting section to us is in Annex A – section 2, 8th bullet point.
The Department of Transport previously published ‘Decarbonising Transport: setting the challenge’ (March 2020) in which the Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps emphasised the need for modal shifts away from the private car and towards active transport and better public transport systems.
From the heart of government to the streets of Leamington everyone has the same objectives. Our work now is to be part of the process that makes a Clean Air Town a reality in Royal Leamington Spa.
It is great to see that so much is being done for us, but What Can We Do as Individuals?
Keeping the air clean does not just depend on what those around you are doing, you can make a big difference with some small changes.
The biggest source of air pollution is motorised transport, so most of our suggestions focus on how you move around the town.
Below are some things you can do to help keep the air clean in your town
Active transport is transport based on physical activity, usually walking or cycling. Being active in your daily commute will help to make you fit and healthy, whilst keeping the streets less congested and the air cleaner.
If you can walk to school or college. If it is too far to walk, then consider cycling. For longer school journeys there is usually public transport, use it if you can.
If your work is very close you may be fortunate enough to be able to walk, if not then consider cycling. For longer commutes, public transport is usually the cleanest and least expensive option, use it if you can.
If you really have to use a car for work, then take comfort from the others who are avoiding using their cars, making your commute less congested, shorter and less stressful.
At Clean Air for Leamington we love motorists, let's face it most of us are motorists on occasions. The motorists we love the most are those who use their cars as little as possible and follow these AA Economic Driving Tips
Also keep in mind that the more people who avoid using their cars when they can, the less congested the roads will be and the less polluting those few essential journeys will become.
The AA, and RAC, advice on good driving includes minimising engine idling. But we think reducing idling is such an easy way to keep the air clean, we want this to be a major campaign for all road users.
Public transport, where it is available, is a clean and cost-effective way to get to work. The more we use public transport the more it will be economic to provide it.
After motorised transport, the next biggest contributor to air pollution is burning wood or fossil fuels. Almost whatever you are burning it is likely to be adding to air pollution, burning garden waste is one of the biggest sources of harmful particulates. The more you avoid burning wood, coal or other fossil fuels the cleaner the air will be.
Electricity is a clean source of energy, especially if it is not produced by the burning of fossil fuels. Solar panels provide households with cheap and clean electricity, plus they can often provide electricity to a neighbourhood by giving back to the grid.
Doing what you can really makes a difference, perhaps you would like to spread that message still wider by Getting More Involved?
If Leamington Spa is your town and you want to help keep the air clean then why not join us?
If you just want to support us, then register as a Supporter we can keep you connected with news and information about what is going on in the town.
If you can help us more, then register as a Member and we will be in touch on occasions to ask for help with key campaigns and activities.
Bus Service Improvement Plan Public Engagement Survey
Warwickshire County Council
3rd September 2021
Clean Air for Leamington Spa
17 June 2021
