Environmental health

You should contact your district council if you have any problems with:

• air pollution
• noise
• street cleaning and litter
• pests
• food safety
• flytipping.

Air pollution

Air pollution in Kent has been acknowledged as a problem for a number of years.

The quality of the air we breathe has an impact on our health, as well as the environment.

Pollution and congestion affect all of us, whether we walk, cycle, use public transport or our cars. Traffic is the fastest growing contributor to poor air quality in the county.

Since 2000, traffic flows in Kent have increased by 7% and further growth is likely with further development.

All district councils are required to periodically review air quality and in some areas of Kent, Air Quality Management Areas have been declared where air quality is poor and is above the standards and objectives set out in the National Air Quality Strategy.

There are currently 32 Air Quality Management Areas in Kent, which are primarily alongside motorways including the A2, M2, A20, M20, A25, M25, M26, A28 and A228 corridors as well as parts of Canterbury, Dartford, Dover, Gravesend, Maidstone, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells town centres.

Air Quality Management Areas have also been declared at Dover Eastern Docks due to shipping emissions and Northfleet industrial area. Action plans have to be produced for these areas setting out measures to reduce air pollution.

For further information, please contact your district council.

The Kent and Medway Air Quality Monitoring Network was established to understand pollution in the county. For more information on the network or pollution levels in the county, visit the Kent and Medway Air Quality Monitoring website.

Noise

There are a number of different sources of noise pollution such as loud music and noisy machinery. For further information, visit the Environmental Protection UK website or contact your district council.

Street cleaning and litter

Litter is unsightly and can be an environmental health risk.

Pests

From rats and mice to cockroaches and fleas, pests can be a risk to public health or food safety.

Food safety

Environmental Health Officers are responsible for food safety issues such as food hygiene at premises and foreign bodies in food. Trading Standards are responsible for food composition and best before dates.

Flytipping

Flytipping has an impact on our local environment and how we view it. It can include general household waste, fridges, garden refuse, abandoned vehicles and commercial waste. For more information, visit the Clean Kent website.