Improving Air Quality
10.20 Kent and its District Council partners are committed to improving local air quality and through the LTP have identified a number of transport measures that could improve air quality in Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs). Kent's LTP sets an ambitious air quality target aimed at reducing NO2 emissions in line with the national target at 11 AQMA sites in Kent, many of which are located in densely populated and heavily trafficked urban areas. Air quality is one of the principal concerns of the Kent's Environment Strategy, with the impact of widespread transport use and its detrimental impact on air quality and climate change being recognised as a major contributor. The wider impacts of poor air quality include detrimental effects on human health and quality of life. Kent is increasing concerned about air quality, particularly in those areas designated as AQMAs. Without intervention the number and severity of Kent's AQMAs will grow, undermining the health of its communities and the ability of future generations to live in an environmentally sustainable society.
10.21 Kent's Air Quality Target comprises:
- LTP8 Air Quality in Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) - To reduce the annual average level of NO2 missions at Kent's AQMAs to 40 µg/m3 by 2010/11. Based on 11 AQMA sites on Kent's local road network. Intermediate traffic flow monitoring will form annual trajectory for this particular indicator.