“Air pollution can be a hidden killer and Exeter is no different to most cities throughout the UK,” said Cllr Keith Owen, Lead Councillor for Environment, Health and Wellbeing. “However we mustn’t be complacent and that’s why we’re trying to address the problem before it gets any worse.”

He added: “The main source of local air pollution in Exeter is from traffic. The Low Emission Strategy will set out positive steps to address the issue. We feel it is essential to examine all suitable courses of action now to reduce risks to health and ensure continued sustainable growth for the city. This will keep Exeter clean and beautiful for everyone - both now and for the future.”

Dr Sotiris Vardoulakis, head of air pollution and climate change group at Public Health England, said: “Air pollution is a serious public health problem so it’s very encouraging to see Exeter City Council planning direct action to reduce levels of pollutants across the area.

“We all have a part to play in tackling this serious problem and by doing small things we can improve our own health at the same time. So if we walk or cycle more instead of using the car, not only will we contribute to an overall reduction in air pollution levels but we’ll increase our exercise levels and so improve our own health.”

Exeter is a green and attractive city.  However, no matter how good the air quality may appear, air pollution is an invisible potential health threat to everyone , especially vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, the elderly and patients with pre-existing respiratory diseases. In fact, it is estimated that poor air quality will contribute to the deaths of 42 people in Exeter this year alone, that’s almost four football teams!

The Low Emission Strategy will be looking at the impact of travel and transport on air quality. The findings will help the Council to implement the most effective measures for reducing air pollution. Future measures may include:
• Helping people to switch to less polluting transport methods
• Encouraging the use of electric vehicles
• Changing the way we allow deliveries to be made in and around the city
• Fitting buses with emission reducing equipment

A full public consultation will allow city residents to provide their valuable input by completing a survey. 

For more information on the Low Emission Strategy, including details of the public consultation , visit www.exeter.gov.uk/les 

Ends

For more information contact Steve Upsher, Communications Officer, on 01392 265103.

About the Low Emission Strategy
To develop the Low Emission Strategy, Exeter City Council has commissioned a study which will be undertaken by consultants Transport Research Laboratory in partnership with Transport and Travel Research Ltd. The study is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.

How can poor Air quality affect my health?
Air pollution has been linked to a variety of health effects especially on the respiratory system. These range from immediate effects, such as coughing and wheezing, to triggering or exacerbating respiratory diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Recent research has also found a clear relationship between air pollution and cardiovascular problems, including hospital admissions and deaths.

What areas are subject to poor air quality?
Air pollution is not restricted to any one area however the areas most affected are beside busy roads, with queuing traffic and where the houses are close to the kerbside.