The Environment Act 1995 requires us to to review and assess air quality within Bolton. The government has set a number of health based objectives for the following pollutants:
- carbon monoxide (CO)
- sulphur dioxide (SO2)
- nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
- 1,3 Butadiene
- benzene
- particles (PM10)
- lead (Pb)
We also work with the other councils in Greater Manchester to review and assess air quality.
Where the reviews show that any objectives are likely not to be met, then the local authority must declare an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) and draw up an air quality action plan.
Please see the current AQMA for Greater Manchester (Pollution forecast near Greater Manchester).
Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan
Greater Manchester has been directed by the government to develop a clean air plan to meet legal limits for nitrogen dioxide on local roads in the shortest possible time and by 2026 at the latest.
The investment-led plan developed by all ten Greater Manchester local authorities does not include a charging clean air zone.
Modelling shows that it would bring air quality within legal limits by 2025, without causing hardship to residents or businesses.
You can keep up to date on developments with the Clean Air Plan and sign up for updates at cleanairgm.com.