Lower vehicle emmissions have seen two key areas of South Ribble improve their air quality levels.
The junction of Leyland Road and Brownedge Road, Lostock Hall and part of Station Road, Bamber Bridge, were both designated as 'Air Quality Management Areas' in 2005 due to increased levels of nitrogen dioxide in the air.
However, nitrogen dioxide levels have now fallen significantly in both areas, in line with national forecasts. This is mainly down to reductions in road traffic emissions, especially HGVs and buses. The council has also worked with our Conservative colleagues at Lancashire County Council to assess traffic flows and movements in each area over recent years.
Conservative Councillor of New Longton & Hutton East, Phil Smith, also responsible for regeneration, leisure and healthy communities, said:"I'm sure local residents will be delighted to know the air quality in both these areas has significantly improved.
"When we made the Air Quality Management Area designations back in 2005, the level crossing in Bamber Bridge and the traffic lights in Lostock Hall kept traffic standing still for some fairly lengthy periods and exhaust fumes were pushing nitrogen dioxide levels slightly higher than we'd have liked.
"Thankfully newer vehicles now have lower emissions, making them less harmful to the environment than they were even a few years ago.
"Generally speaking, the air quality across South Ribble is very good, but we are far from complacent on this issue and will continue to monitor all areas to ensure pollution levels remain low."
For more information on the story, please see South Ribble Borough Council's story HERE
Taken from press release by South Ribble Borough Council