answer text |
<p>Air pollution poses one of the biggest environmental threats to public health.
Our ambitious plans to decarbonise transport, improve air quality and support more
active forms of travel have not changed, including the £3.8 billion we are already
investing to clean up our air. Our recent rapid call for evidence will ensure we can
fully understand the impact that coronavirus is having on changes in air pollution
emissions, concentrations and exposure.</p><p>The decision to manage congestion in
towns and cities is ultimately one for the relevant local highways authority, and
they are considering a range of measures to encourage and retain active travel. To
support this, on 9 May the Government announced a £2 billion package of funding for
active travel over the next 5 years from the £5 billion buses, cycling and walking
funding announced by the Prime Minister on 11 February.</p><p>Local authorities already
have a range of powers to take action to reduce pollution from road vehicles. Through
the Environment Bill we are improving co-operation within the Local Air Quality Management
framework to widen the range of bodies that play a role in improving local air quality,
including neighbouring local authorities and relevant public bodies, ensuring action
is taken by all key players to tackle pollution sources and to improve air quality
locally.</p><p>Additionally we are working hard to implement our World leading Clean
Air Strategy, which focuses on reducing broader emissions beyond road transport.</p>
|
|