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<p>For purpose of the air quality Directive (2008/50/EC), DEFRA on behalf of the Government
are the competent authority. In 2017 the Government published its Plan for Tackling
Roadside Nitrogen Dioxide Concentrations (The Plan) which set out plans to achieve
compliance as quickly as possible.</p><p> </p><p>Highways England is legally required,
under the Infrastructure Act 2015 and its Licence, to comply with (or have due regard
to) relevant Government policy, which includes the Government’s plans and policies
on air quality, and has been commissioned by the Department for Transport (DfT) to
deliver its part of The Plan. The Infrastructure Act also obliges Highways England
to comply with DfT’s Road Investment Strategy (RIS). The current (second) RIS sets
out DfT’s expectations for environmental outcomes to be in line with (but not limited
to) The Plan, and sets key performance indicators in relation to air quality, including
compliance with legal nitrogen dioxide limits as soon as possible. The Office of Rail
and Road monitors Highways England’s compliance with its obligations as set out in
the RIS and Licence, and has enforcement powers in respect of these obligations.</p>
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