The measurement and monitoring of Air Quality is a function undertaken by local district councils. The Environment Act 1995 established a National Air Quality Strategy, adopted in 1997 which requires district councils to carry out a periodic review and assessment of air quality within their areas.

They are required to monitor the following pollutants against national standards,known as air quality objectives,as outlined in the National Air Quality Strategy:

• nitrogen dioxide
• sulphur dioxide
• carbon monoxide
• fine particulates (PM10)
• lead
• benzene
• 1,3-butadiene

Where the objectives are exceeded then the district council will declare an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). If the main source of the problem is traffic then we, as highway authority and the district council must jointly agree an Action Plan. In this Action Plan proposals to deal with the identified problem are put forward.

Air Quality Management Areas

In Oxfordshire to date, AQMAs have been declared in Abingdon, Chipping Norton, Henley, Central Oxford, Wallingford and Witney. A further area in Botley is due to be declared shortly.

More details of the assessments carried out to date and Action Plans agreed can be found on the district councils' websites:

• Cherwell District Council - no areas declared
• Oxford City Council - for central Oxford
• South Oxfordshire District Council - for Henley, Wallingford and Watlington
• Vale of White Horse District Council - for Abingdon and Botley
• West Oxfordshire District Council - for Chipping Norton and Witney