Issue - meetings

The Lead Councillor for Climate Change and Organisational Development introduced the item.  He indicated that the Council was continuing to work with National Highways and Surrey County Council to improve air quality along the A3 as it passes through Guildford although detailed information was not yet able to be made public. 

The Joint Executive Head of Regulatory Services noted that the report updated the Committee on Guildford town centre Air Quality Management Area (AQMA), the Air Quality Action Plans for Shalford and Compton, and the A3 through Guildford.  He confirmed that the review of the Air Quality Strategy would take place in 2023.  The Senior Specialist Environmental Protection declared that the Air Quality Action Plan for Guildford town centre had been approved by Defra subject to minor amendments only. 

In reply to a question from a member of the Committee, the Senior Specialist Environmental Protection confirmed the help and support received from Surrey County Council.

A member of the Committee advised the meeting of air quality monitoring undertaken by the Council in the locality of Onslow Infant School and thanked officers.

Another member of the Committee highlighted the importance of considering climate change and sustainability implications in the Council’s decision-making and providing officer resource for actions in the Borough’s AQMAs.  The Lead Councillor for Climate Change and Organisational Development indicated that an update report on the Shalford AQMA was planned for 2023 and that preparation for the report would include meetings with local councillors. 

In reply to a question, the meeting was advised that the Council produced an Air Quality Annual Status Report that summarised air quality in the Borough and reported progress to improve air quality; these reports were available on the Council’s website.

In response to questions, the Senior Specialist Environmental Protection informed the Committee that the Air Quality Strategy was for a five-year period and covered the whole Borough.  He stated that the Air Quality Action Plans had specific and ambitious targets to achieve as they progressed.  He confirmed those officers involved in air quality worked closely with officers engaged in the Town Centre Masterplan.  The Lead Councillor for Climate Change and Organisational Development stressed that air quality action was a statutory responsibility for the Council with a strict timetable, whereas Council initiatives such as Shaping Guildford’s Future were discretionary and could not be counted on to be contribute to the improvement of air quality within the same timeframe.

A member of the Committee raised concern that the anti-vehicle idling campaign within the 2017-22 Strategy had not yet started.  In reply, the meeting was advised of the value of working with schools and the requirement for civil enforcement officers if the Council were to enforce such measures.  The Lead Councillor for Climate Change and Organisational Development suggested the benefit of installing advisory anti-idling signage.  The Leader of the Council and Lead Councillor for Community and Housing stated that the issue of vehicle idling outside schools could be taken forward by the Council’s communications team.  The Joint Executive  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40