Council marks Clean Air Day
Posted on Thursday 8th October 2020
As Wales and the UK marks Clean Air Day, Newport City Council wants to share some of the work it is doing to improve our environment.
Clean Air Day is the UK's largest air pollution campaign, engaging thousands of people at hundreds of events, and reaching millions more through the media.
Every year, air pollution causes up to 36,000 deaths in the UK. The World Health Organisation and the UK Government recognise that air pollution is the largest environmental health risk we face today.
The aim of Clean Air Day is to improve public understanding of air pollution and how it affects our health while explaining the easy actions everyone can do to tackle the problem.
Councillor Deb Davies, the council's cabinet member for sustainable development, said: "We all have a responsibility to do as much as we can to reduce air pollution, as individuals, communities, and businesses for the good of all citizens, now and in the future, our city and the planet.
"As a council, we are continually striving to find ways of reducing our own carbon footprint at the same time as encouraging those who live, work and visit here to make their own contributions to make this a greener city.
"We have already introduced a range of initiatives from promoting biodiversity on our own land to working to become a carbon neutral organization by 2030. We can all make a difference, however, small and you can find lots of ideas on the Clean Air Day website."
Projects being progressed by the council include:
- Sustainable transport proposals such as improving footpaths and cycle lanes as well as trialling a number of 20mph speed limit zones
- Enhancing existing active travel routes such as the recently completed scheme at Fourteen Locks where the cycle path was resurfaced and new barriers installed to allow easier access for wheelchair users.
- Introducing 15 ultra-low emission vehicles and six hybrid vehicles into its own fleet
- Funding was recently secured for an ultra-low emission refuse vehicle which will be the among the first of its kind in the country when launched next year.
- A partnership with Egni Co-op and installer Joju Solar has meant 6,000 solar panels have been installed across 21 sites in the city producing up to two megawatts of power, some of which will charge our zero emission refuse vehicle.
- A number of new electric vehicle charging points will soon be available in council car parks across the city.
For more on Clean Air Day visit www.cleanairday.org.uk