Rushcliffe Borough Council has two existing Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) for the exceedance of the nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) annual mean Air Quality Objective (AQO). The AQMAs are associated with road traffic emissions along major traffic routes in and out of the City of Nottingham.

The 2020 monitoring data indicates there were no exceedances of the annual mean Air Quality Objective of 40µg m^-3 within either of the two AQMAs (AQMA No 1 Trent Bridge and AQMA No 1/2011 Stragglethorpe Road).

It should be noted the COVID-19 pandemic started in March 2020 and for periods of time throughout the year the country was in national or regional lockdowns which had an impact on the day to day activities of the population. For example, during the first national lockdown announced at the end of March 2020 the population was directed by Government to stay at home. This direction had a subsequent impact on road traffic levels and the air quality monitoring data associated with roadside emissions.

This report contains a full data set of air quality monitoring undertaken in 2020 and trends for the last 5 years.

Task progress in this report outlines the actions the Council (and its partners) has and will be taking in order to achieve continued compliance with the Air Quality Standards (AQS).

Air Quality in Rushcliffe Borough Council

Air pollution is associated with a number of adverse health impacts. It is recognised as a contributing factor in the onset of heart disease and cancer. Additionally, air pollution particularly affects the most vulnerable in society: children, the elderly, and those with existing heart and lung conditions. There is also often a strong correlation with equalities issues because areas with poor air quality are also often less affluent areas (Public Health England. Air Quality: A Briefing for Directors of Public Health, 2017 and Defra. Air quality and social deprivation in the UK: an environmental inequalities analysis, 2006).

The mortality burden of air pollution within the UK is equivalent to 28,000 to 36,000 deaths at typical ages (Defra. Air quality appraisal: damage cost guidance, July 2020), with a total estimated healthcare cost to the NHS and social care of £157 million in 2017 (Public Health England. Estimation of costs to the NHS and social care due to the health impacts of air pollution: summary report, May 2018).

Road traffic is the main source of air pollution within the Borough and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is the primary pollutant of concern. Nitrogen dioxide is a brown gas with the chemical formula NO₂. It is chemically related to nitric oxide and together NO and NO₂ are known as NO_X. NO_X is released into the atmosphere when fuels are burned, for example petrol or diesel in a car engine, or natural gas in a domestic central heating boiler. NO₂can affect our health and evidence indicates high levels can inflame the airways of our lungs, and over the long term can affect how well our lungs work. The concentration of NO₂ is measured as micrograms per cubic metre of air (µg m^-3) and to protect health the Government has set air quality standards. The hourly objective which is the concentration of NO₂ in the air averaged over a period of one hour, aims to ensure we are not exposed to high concentrations for short periods of time. The annual objective which is the concentration of NO₂ in the air averaged over a period of one year, aims to protect us over the longer term. Further details on the air quality standards can be found in Appendix E: Summary of Air Quality Objectives in England.

Road traffic is the largest source of NO_x emissions in the UK. NO_x emissions from burning fossil fuels are mainly as NO. However, some sources including diesel vehicles (particularly when moving slowly) can emit a lot of NO_x as NO₂ and these primary emissions of NO₂ can lead to high concentrations at the roadside. NO₂ is also formed in the atmosphere when there is a chemical reaction between NO and ozone, and this is known as secondary NO₂.

Rushcliffe Borough Council currently undertakes air quality monitoring for NO₂ at 29 monitoring sites across the Borough. Twenty-seven of these locations are passive sites, monitoring NO₂ using diffusion tubes which take samples over a one-month period (approximately) and are useful for assessing the annual objective of 40µg m^-3. Diffusion tubes provide an inexpensive way of monitoring air quality at multiple sites and provide general indicators of concentrations and trends of pollutants over a period of time.

Rushcliffe Borough Council also have two continuous analysers (automatic) where air is continuously pumped into the analyser and the level of NO₂ recorded. These provide more accurate data on NO₂ concentrations however they are a more expensive way of monitoring air quality.

Rushcliffe Borough Council currently have two active Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) for NO₂. An AQMA is an area where air pollutant concentrations exceed or are likely to exceed the relevant air quality objectives. AQMAs are declared for specific pollutants and objectives and within Rushcliffe both were declared for NO₂ and exceedance of the annual mean concentration objective of 40µg m^-3. The location of the AQMAs can be seen at Defra UK Air website. Monitoring is undertaken in both AQMAs using both diffusion tubes (non-automatic or passive) and a continuous analyser (automatic).

Within AQMA No 1 Trent Bridge the highest NO₂ annual mean concentration recorded in 2020 across all locations was 28µg m^-3 at the diffusion tube location TBI. The continuous monitoring data for 2020 presented a NO₂ annual mean concentration of 27µg m^-3_. Therefore, the NO₂ annual mean concentrations were all below the air quality objective and were all lower than for the same location in the previous five years (where this data is available). There were also no exceedances of the NO₂ hourly limit of 200µg m^-3 and therefore no exceedance of the 1-hour mean air quality objective.

In AQMA No 1/2011 Stragglethorpe Road a maximum NO₂ annual mean concentration of 31µg m^-3 was recorded by the continuous monitor. This is below the air quality objective and significantly lower than the NO₂ annual mean concentration for 2019 of 41µg m^-3 recorded at the same location. There were no exceedances of the NO₂hourly limit of 200µg m^-3 and therefore no exceedance of the 1-hour mean air quality objective.

In general, over the last five years monitoring data shows a decline in the NO₂concentrations across the Borough. The data collated across the network in 2020 indicates a significant decrease of between 17% and 35% in the NO₂ annual mean concentrations in comparison to 2019 data. The scale of the decline is much larger than seen year on year for the past four years and most likely a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns on road traffic.

Rushcliffe Borough Council are progressing with the update to the existing Air Quality Action Plans (AQAP). The revised AQAP has been out to consultation with our transport partners (Nottinghamshire County Council and Highways England) with a view to undertaking public consultation in July 2021. Although the revised AQAP will consolidate the two existing AQAPs there will measures specific to each of the AQMAs. The existing AQAPs can be found on our air quality webpage Rushcliffe - Air Quality.

The Environmental Health Service continues to work with colleagues in the Planning Service to ensure air quality issues are considered as part of the policy and forward planning process, as well as during the development control process. Policy 41 of the Local Plan Part 2: Land and Planning Policies which was adopted in October 2019 explicitly addresses air quality and development proposals that have the potential to adversely impact on air quality or are sensitive to poor air quality. Details of the Local Plan can be found on our RBC Local Plan webpages. During the development process both construction and operational impacts are considered and where appropriate conditions imposed, or the application is amended to reflect any concerns identified.

During 2020 there were a number of applications relating to proposed residential and commercial developments within or in the vicinity of the AQMAs where air quality assessments were required. These include

Discharge of air quality related planning condition associated with the redevelopment of a former car sales garage to retirement living apartments at a site on Loughborough Road within AQMA No 1 Trent Bridge; and
Development of a site along Wilford Lane (in the vicinity of AQMA No 1 Trent Bridge) for retail purposes, including a food store;

There were also a number of planning applications for large scale housing developments at various locations across the Borough, including

Outline permission for the first phase of a 2,250 dwelling development with school and associated retail/commercial element at Tollerton;
Outline permissions for two sites of 210 and 100 dwellings at sites in Cotgrave,
Works are also progressing on previously permitted developments in Ruddington, Edwalton, Keyworth, Radcliffe on Trent, Newton and Clifton.

A requirement for electric vehicle (EV) charging points to be installed on all residential and commercial developments (where possible) is included as part of any planning approval.

Road traffic emissions are the primary source of NO₂ within the AQMAs. The road network within AQMA No 1 Trent Bridge is managed by Nottinghamshire County Council and the A52, the road associated with AQMA No 1/2011 Stragglethorpe Road is managed by Highways England. As part of the government’s road investment strategy several junctions along the A52, including the Stragglethorpe Road junction were identified for improvement to reduce congestion and provide capacity for more traffic from local developments. During 2020 Highways England determined the most appropriate solution to help reduce queuing and delays at the Stragglethorpe Road junction is to implement a U-turn ban. A notice of intention to make an order to stop the U-turn movement was made in November 2020.

At a strategic level the Rushcliffe Borough Council Corporate Strategy (2019-2023) includes ‘The Environment’ as one of the four priorities. In March 2020 the Council made a commitment to work towards being carbon neutral for its own operations by 2030. Our Carbon Management Plan 2020 sets out the measures to be implemented across key areas, including property assets, fleet, and policy & regulation. The implementation of some of these proposed changes will have a co-benefit of improving air quality across the Borough eg measures to accelerate the shift to low carbon transport across the Council fleet, promotion of active travel and the promotion of carbon reduction policies and guidance to developers.

To encourage an increased use of low emission travel options in 2020 the Council, working together with Nottingham City Council, secured investment via the Transforming Cities Fund to increase the provision of electric vehicle charging points (EVCP) in the D2N2 area with work progressing to bring sites at Cotgrave, Keyworth and Radcliffe on Trent on-line by early 2021.

The Environmental Health service also works with other local authorities in the area through the Nottinghamshire Pollution Working Group (NPWG) and the East Midlands Air Quality Network (EMAQN) which comprises local authorities and Public Health England (PHE). We will continue to promote air quality issues in emerging work via the NPWG and EMAQN. In addition, work is undertaken with other organisations to promote greener transport measures and better air quality in the Nottinghamshire area.

In 2019 the Air Quality Strategy for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire 2020-2030 (Air Quality Strategy for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire 2020-2030 (2020)) was launched with an overall strategic vision for all of Nottinghamshire residents and visitors to have clean air that allows them to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. The strategy was prepared via a collaborative effort between Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council and the Nottinghamshire Borough/District Authorities, including Rushcliffe Borough Council.

This vision aligns with the ambition in the National Clean Air Strategy (Defra, Clean Air Strategy (2019)) to protect the nation’s health and the government’s plans for reducing vehicle emissions. It also recognises that implementation of the strategy will have local system-wide co-benefits such as increased physical activity through active travel, reduced congestion, connecting people in their communities through better design of place, improvements in environmental quality and climate change mitigation.

The Air Quality Strategy for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire 2020-2030 recognises the importance of the Local Air Quality Action Plans, developed for the AQMAs across the City and County, as a key component in the delivery of the strategy in terms of reducing health risk and impacts in the most polluted areas.

Actions to Improve Air Quality

Whilst air quality has improved significantly in recent decades, and will continue to improve due to national policy decisions, there are some areas where local action is needed to improve air quality further.

The 2019 Clean Air Strategy (Defra. Clean Air Strategy, 2019) sets out the case for action, with goals even more ambitious than EU requirements to reduce exposure to harmful pollutants. The Road to Zero (DfT. The Road to Zero: Next steps towards cleaner road transport and delivering our Industrial Strategy, July 2018) sets out the approach to reduce exhaust emissions from road transport through a number of mechanisms; this is extremely important given that the majority of Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) are designated due to elevated concentrations heavily influenced by transport emissions.

As traffic is the main cause of the air pollution within the Borough the core actions continue to be the integration of measures within the Local Transport Plan (LTP) which is implemented by Nottinghamshire County Council Transport Planners and Highways England. In addition, Rushcliffe Borough Council will continue to review planning applications for potential adverse impacts on air quality and continue to promote air quality issues through our membership of NPWG and EMAQN.

As AQMA No 1 Trent Bridge is designated around two major traffic routes in and out of the city actions by Nottingham City Council in their action plan will have some impact on traffic related pollution levels in Rushcliffe. The City Council continue to work towards ultra-low and zero emission vehicles, including public transport which will be beneficial on AQMA No 1 Trent Bridge.

As part of the development of the revised AQAP existing air quality measures will be refined to better reflect the current strategy and policy of Rushcliffe Borough Council and its partners.

As air quality and particularly the impacts of poor air quality on health are highlighted in the mainstream media, we anticipate enquiries and complaints around activities impacting on local air quality such as bonfires and domestic burning will increase. We will consider the use of focussed campaigns to raise awareness of issues among our residents, including anti-idling and the impact of domestic burning.

Conclusions and Priorities

The air quality monitoring data for 2020 shows there were no exceedances of the NO₂ annual mean concentration air quality objective at any of the monitoring locations across the Borough. Data indicates a decrease of between 17 to 35% in the annual mean concentrations of NO₂when compared with 2019 data for the same locations. Although this follows the general downward trend observed over the past four years the scale of the decline is likely to be heavily influenced by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns on roadside emissions.

In AQMA No 1 Trent Bridge the decrease in the NO₂ annual mean concentration ranged from 17 to 29% and in AQMA No 1/2011 Stragglethorpe Road the decrease ranged from 24 to 35% when compared with 2019 data.

Over the past five years the NO₂ annual mean concentration in AQMA No 1 Trent Bridge has been in the region of 36-37µg m^-3 ie below the air quality objective of 40µg m^-3. In 2020 there was a sharp decline to 27µg m^-3 at the location of the continuous monitor which is deemed to be representative of a worst-case scenario in terms of exposure. If the consistent downward trend continues and concentrations remain in the region of 10% below the air quality objective we will seek to revoke the AQMA within the next 1-2 years.

In AQMA No 1/2011 the NO₂ annual mean concentration has been hovering around the air quality objective of 40µg m^-3 for the past five years when it has ranged between 38µg m^-3in 2017 and 41µg m^-3in 2019. In 2020 there was a decline in the NO₂ annual mean concentration to 31µg m^-3. As the long-term impact (if any) of the COVID-19 pandemic on traffic levels and associated roadside emissions remains to be seen we will continue to monitor in the AQMA and review its status annually.

We are currently updating the AQAP and a draft for consultation has been issued to our main partners (Nottinghamshire County Council and Highways England). It is the intention to go out to public consultation in July/August 2021. This revised AQAP seeks to consolidate the existing two AQAPs.

Local Engagement and How to Get Involved

Rushcliffe Borough Council provides residents with information on reducing their impact on the environment and air quality via links from its website Transport - Rushcliffe Borough Council where there is signposting to cycling and walking initiatives and information on public transport and greener car travel, including car sharing. There is also information available on cycling and walking initiatives via the Nottinghamshire County Council webpage NCC - cycling and walking.

Any new planning proposals where consideration of potential air quality impacts may be required are available for consultation through the planning process. The public can view and provide comments on submitted air quality assessments.

Likewise, under the environmental permitting regime changes to existing or new permitted processes are subject to public consultation and we will ensure public engagement is well as statutory consultee engagement.

To get involved in improving air quality within the Borough the public can contact the Environmental Health Service – details are available at the front of this report.

The Local Transport Plan (LTP) is implemented by County Council Local Transport Planners who can be contacted via the Nottinghamshire County Council website or Local Transport Plan Manager, Transport Planning and Development, Nottinghamshire County Council, County Hall, West Bridgford Nottingham NG2 7QP; Tel: 0300 500 8080.

1 Local Air Quality Management

This report provides an overview of air quality in Rushcliffe Borough Council during 2020. It fulfils the requirements of Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) as set out in Part IV of the Environment Act (1995) and the relevant Policy and Technical Guidance documents.

The LAQM process places an obligation on all local authorities to regularly review and assess air quality in their areas, and to determine whether or not the air quality objectives are likely to be achieved. Where an exceedance is considered likely the local authority must declare an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) and prepare an Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) setting out the measures it intends to put in place in pursuit of the objectives. This Annual Status Report (ASR) is an annual requirement showing the strategies employed by Rushcliffe Borough Council to improve air quality and any progress that has been made.

The statutory air quality objectives applicable to LAQM in England are presented in Table E.1.

2 Actions to Improve Air Quality

2.1 Air Quality Management Areas

Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) are declared when there is an exceedance or likely exceedance of an air quality objective. After declaration, the authority should prepare an Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) within 12 months setting out measures it intends to put in place in pursuit of compliance with the objectives.

A summary of AQMAs declared by Rushcliffe Borough Council can be found below. This shows the descriptions of the two AQMAs that are currently designated within Rushcliffe Borough Council. Appendix D: Maps of Monitoring Locations and AQMAs provides maps of both AQMAs and also the air quality monitoring locations in relation to the AQMAs. The air quality objectives pertinent to the current AQMA designations are as follows:

NO₂ annual mean.

Declared Air Quality Management Areas

AQMA Name - AQMA No 1 Trent Bridge

Date of Declaration: 01/09/2005

Pollutants and Air Quality Objectives: NO₂ Annual Mean

Description: An area including Lady Bay Bridge/ Radcliffe Road/ Trent Bridge/ Loughborough Road junctions in West Bridgford

Is air quality in the AQMA influenced by roads controlled by Highways England? No

Level of Exceedance - Declaration: 47µg m^-3

Level of Exceedance - Current Year: 27µg m^-3

Name and Date of AQAP Publication: Air Quality Action Plan for Rushcliffe updated 2010

Weblink to AQAP: AQAP_2010

AQMA No 1 2011 Stragglethorpe Road

Date of Declaration: 01/10/2011

Pollutants and Air Quality Objectives: NO₂ Annual Mean

Description: Land adjacent to A52 at Stragglethorpe Lane junction

Is air quality in the AQMA influenced by roads controlled by Highways England? Yes

Level of Exceedance - Declaration: 27µg m^-3

Level of Exceedance - Current Year: 31µg m^-3

Name and Date of AQAP Publication: Stragglethorpe Road AQAP 2013

Weblink to AQAP: AQAP_2013

2.2 Progress and Impact of Measures to address Air Quality in Rushcliffe Borough Council

Defra’s appraisal of last year’s ASR concluded the 2020 report was thorough and contained the required content. Specific comments made by Defra have been addressed as follows:

Report indicated diffusion tube monitoring was undertaken at thirty-six sites whereas thirty-six diffusion tubes were monitored across thirty-two sites (two sites were triplicates). Although the comment is noted it is not relevant to this year’s report as the triplicate tubes were no longer deemed necessary and have been removed;
Inclusion of screen captures showing the calculations for all sites where distance correction has been undertaken rather than an example of one site as provided in the report; and either leave cell blank or populate with ‘-‘ in the final column in Table B.1 so that it is clear for which sites distance correction has been undertaken. Although the comment is noted it is not relevant for this year’s report as distance correction was not required;
Requirement to indicate clearly in Table A.3 where a concentration is an average of the triplicate tubes. Although the comment is noted it is not relevant to this year’s report as the triplicate tubes are no longer in use;
In Table A.3 the average of triplicate tubes A52/HHF1/2/3 was corrected prior to publication from 37µg m-3 to 37.4µg m-3;
Rushcliffe Borough Council continue to review and update the diffusion tube monitoring network, reallocating resources from those sites where robust data indicates continued compliance with the annual mean objective for NO2 to potential hotspot sites and/or sites requested by members of the public.

Rushcliffe Borough Council and its partners have taken forward a number of direct measures during the current reporting year of 2020 in pursuit of improving local air quality. Details of all measures completed, in progress or planned are set out below. Forty-two measures are included, with the type of measure and the progress Rushcliffe Borough Council have made during the reporting year of 2020 presented. Where there have been, or continue to be, barriers restricting the implementation of the measure, these are also presented. It should be noted the existing AQAPs are currently being updated and revised to better reflect current policies and strategies. As part of this process the action measures will be refined to include new or revised measures identified by Rushcliffe Borough Council and its partners for the improvement of air quality and out-of-date measures will be removed. It is anticipated these revised measures will be available for inclusion in next year’s ASR, following publication of the revised AQAP.

More detail on these measures can be found in their respective Action Plans and also within the third Local Transport Plan that consists of the Local Transport Plan Strategy and Implementation Plan.

Key completed measures are:

Publication of the Air Quality Strategy for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire 2020-2030 which sets out an overall strategic vision for all of Nottinghamshire residents and visitors to have clean air that allows them to lead healthy and fulfilling lives;
Adoption of the Rushcliffe Borough Council Carbon Management Plan which sets out how the Council is working towards its direct operations becoming carbon neutral by 2030. The implementation of some of the measures will have a co-benefit of improving air quality across the Borough e.g. measures to accelerate the shift to low carbon transport across the Council fleet and demonstrate the Council’s commitment by ‘leading by example’;
Adoption of the Nottinghamshire County Council Corporate Environmental Policy and Strategy which outlines the key principles, scope and approach to improving the Council’s environmental performance and delivery of its proposed key strategic ambitions;
Funding secured and sites identified across the Rushcliffe Borough Council estate for the provision of electric vehicle charging points with an aim to bring the first of these on-line in 2021;
Improvements in the provision of a publicly accessible vehicle charging infrastructure network across the D2N2 area (Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire) as part of the Go Ultra Low programme led by Nottingham City Council;
Highways England have undertaken studies and public consultation on the proposed U-turn ban at the Stragglethorpe Road Junction (AQMA No 1/2011) with a view to starting works in 2021;
Highways England ongoing review of the Stragglethorpe Road Junction to ensure traffic flows well and stops by HGVs are minimised;
Travel planning with residents at new developments secured by planning condition where possible;
Workplace travel planning offered by Nottingham City Council as part of their status as a Go Ultra Low City is likely to reduce congestion with AQMA No 1 Trent Bridge which runs along a key access route into the city;
Rushcliffe Borough Council has widened access to its staff cycle purchase scheme as a way of promoting smarter travel choices; and
Imposition of planning conditions requiring the provision of electric vehicle charging points in new residential and commercial development (where possible).

Rushcliffe Borough Council expects the following measures to be completed over the course of the next reporting year:

Adoption of a revised consolidated Air Quality Action Plan which will include measures specific to each of the AQMAs. In recent months we have consulted and taken on board comments and suggestions provided by our key transport partners (Nottinghamshire County Council and Highways England). We anticipate the draft AQAP will go out to public consultation in July/August 2021;
The implementation of works to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion at the Stragglethorpe Road junction on the A52 which is the location of AQMA No1/2011. Highways England anticipate these works which form part of their A52 Nottingham Junctions project will begin in 2021;
An increase in the provision of electric vehicle charging points across the Rushcliffe Borough Council estate with sites in Cotgrave, Keyworth and Radcliffe on Trent due to be brought on-line in 2021;
Nottinghamshire County Council are currently undertaking a review of on-street and rural electric vehicle charging infrastructure to identify potential on-street options and inform future County Council EV infrastructure strategy, policy and delivery in the county;
Increased bus fleet low emission vehicles running through AQMA No 1 Trent Bridge. All local buses operating into Nottingham City Centre and through the AQMA will meet Euro VI standards by September 2021. Significant investment has also been secured by bus operators to upgrade facilities to enable the running of gas fleets. For example the bus operator NCT have invested £4.7m of funding from the Office of Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) (now known as the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) to operate gas buses along two routes through the AQMA; and operator Trent Barton have invested £2m in twelve new Euro VI buses operating on three routes through the AQMA;
Feasibility studies for walking and cycling infrastructure improvements in and around both AQMAs with a potential new Trent walking/cycling bridge (AQMA No 1 Trent Bridge) and along the A52 corridor (AQMA No 1/2011 Stragglethorpe Road); and
Development of a Rushcliffe Borough Council cycling strategy to identify the Council priorities and help residents make smarter travel choices. This strategy will complement and support the County Council cycling strategy with Rushcliffe BC working in collaboration with County to develop the cycling infrastructure.

The priorities for Rushcliffe Borough Council and its partners for the coming year are predominantly through measures to make best use of the transport networks and through smarter travel measures that will encourage people to travel more sustainably. These include:

Targeted capacity improvements to reduce congestion (such as traffic light and junction improvements) to make best use of the existing highway infrastructure;
Parking enforcement on County Council roads to ensure traffic can continue to keep moving;
Walking and cycling improvements (eg footway improvements and new crossings) to encourage people to make short journeys on foot or by bike. Potential funded improvements planned for Gamston and potential new Trent walking/cycling bridge;
Provision of public transport services (bus and rail) and infrastructure improvements to make public transport a more accessible and attractive option to existing and potential users (eg bus stop improvements, bus priority measures to make journeys more reliable, real time information);
Effective transport management such as managing disruption caused by street works, incidents and other activities; and management of freight goods;
Smarter choice measures such as travel planning to make people more aware of their travel choices and promotion of alternatives to single occupancy car journeys when possible;
Introduction of a wider network of electric vehicle charging points to encourage the take-up of alternative fuel vehicles; and
Continue to ensure air quality impacts are considered through the planning process for developments in and around the AQMAs and where necessary secure planning obligations to minimise any adverse impacts of individual developments.

The principal challenges and barriers to implementation that Rushcliffe Borough Council and its partners anticipate facing are:

The COVID-19 pandemic may have an ongoing impact on the travel choices of the population. The need to minimise contact to reduce transmission of the virus resulted in guidance from government not to use public transport or car share (except where necessary) which may have a longer term impact on people’s travel choices even when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. This would appear to be supported by traffic statistics which show a return to pre-pandemic levels although significant numbers of people continue to work from home. It is not yet possible to determine the longer-term impact of COVID-19 on lifestyle as restrictions remain in place;
The location of AQMA No 1 Trent Bridge, on the approaches to Trent Bridge and Lady Bay bridges and the site constraints make it difficult to remedy the problems with small scale infrastructure improvements and therefore smarter travel choice measures (such as travel planning, and marketing and promotion of alternatives to the car) are more likely to provide improvements. Measures that facilitate and encourage walking, cycling and public transport use will therefore continue to be priority actions in the foreseeable future; and
Funding constraints may have an impact on project delivery and/or feasibility studies for infrastructure improvements.

Progress on the following measures has been slower than expected due to:

The COVID-19 lockdowns imposed a change on the population day-to-day activities which has led to an increase in customer complaints to the Environmental Health Service. This increased workload limited our ability to progress with the revision of the AQAPs. However, in recent months work has progressed well and the draft will be issued for public consultation in the coming weeks.

Rushcliffe Borough Council anticipates that the measures stated above and in the progress below will achieve continued compliance in AQMA No 1 Trent Bridge and AQMA No 1/2011 Stragglethorpe Road.

Detailed information about progress on measures to improve air quality can be found in the Air Quality Annual Status Report 2021 (3 - 1,033KB). A summary of progress to date is below.

Measures Considered to be Most Effective

Measure 1

Description: Traffic control and management - traffic control centre that monitors traffic movement and provides real time traffic control over many traffic signal installations.

Organisations involved: Nottinghamshire County Council (NCC)/Via EM Ltd/Nottingham City Council (NCiC)

Progress to date: Implementation on-going

Measure 2

Description: Contingency planning, and effective event and incident management.

Organisations involved: NCC/Via EM/NCiC/Highways England (HE)

Progress to date: Implementation on-going

Measure 3

Description: Co-ordination of street works

Organisations involved: NCC/Via EM/NCiC

Progress to date: Implementation on-going

Measure 4

Description: Traffic signal upgrades

Organisations involved: NCC/Via EM

Progress to date: SCOOT/MOVA installed at signals within AQMA. A60/Bridgford Rd signals upgraded.

Measure 5

Description: Traffic signal re-phasing

Organisations involved: NCC/Via EM

Progress to date: Signals within AQMA re-phased. 24hr monitor installed in 2016/17 will be used to further inform signal modifications.

Measure 19

Description: Walking and cycling infrastructure improvements

Organisations involved: NCC

Progress to date: NCC secured funding to develop and deliver West Bridgford strategic cycling network during 2017/18. D2N2 LCWIP developed. Technical analysis being undertaken to identify future county-wide priorities.

Measure 27

Description: Encouragement of low-emission public transport fleets

Organisations involved: NCC/NCiC/PT operators

Progress to date: All local buses operating into Nottingham City Centre and through the AQMA will meet Euro VI standards by September 2021. Operator NCT has invested £4.7m of OLEV funding to operate gas buses along two routes through the AQMA and invested a further £12.4m to upgrade its facilities to enable running of a gas fleet. In addition, NCT has invested £1.5m in 10 new Euro VI midi-buses operating on four routes through the AQMA. Operator trentbarton has invested just over £2m in 12 new euro VI buses operating on three routes in the AQMA. By September 2021, NCC will have spent 0.9m from the Clean Bus Technology Fund to retrofit older buses to achieve Euro VI equivalent and this will include 8 routes operated by several operators in the AQMA.

Measure 29

Description: Nottingham Go-Ultra Low City bid

Organisations involved: NCiC/NCC

Progress to date: £6.1m funding secured for 2016-2021

Measure 31

Description: A6514 Ring Road improvements

Organisations involved: NCiC

Progress to date: £16.2m package of measures completed in 2016

Measure 32

Description: Environmental Strategy

Development and delivery of NCC Environmental Strategy
Conversion of NCC fleet to low emission vehicles
Introduction of wider network of EV charging points to encourage the take-up of alternative fuel vehicles

Organisations involved: NCC

Progress to date: £6.1m funding secured by NCC and NCiC (Nottingham Go Ultra Low) for 2016-2020; Dependent on strategy and available funding.

Measure 34

Description: Introduction of wider network of EV charging points to encourage the take-up of alternative fuel vehicles.

Organisations involved: NCC

Progress to date: Implementation ongoing. Review of on-street and rural EV charging infrastructure currently being undertaken and will be completed during 2021/22

Measure 35

Description: A52: Proposals to ban the U-turn west to west and reconfigure the signals to improve efficiency, have been developed further and initial consultation with local stakeholders has been undertaken.

Organisations involved: HE

Progress to date: Part of A52 Nottingham Junctions programme

Measure 36

Description: Ensure sustainable development on sites within Borough that may impact on AQMA.

Organisations involved: RBC

Progress to date: Ensuring AQ is at the heart of planning decision. Sustain compliance & reduce NO₂ concentrations to well below the AQS objective (in the region of 10%).

Measure 37

Description: Working on a regional basis with other Local Authorities & partners to develop area-wide strategies and guidance as required.

Organisations involved: RBC

Progress to date: Nottinghamshire Air Quality Strategy published 2020.

Measure 41

Description: Introduction of wider network of off-street EV charging points to encourage take up of alternative fuel vehicles.

Organisations involved: RBC/NCiC

Progress to date: RBC working in partnership with NCiC to develop the CP infrastructure along the D2N2 corridor –funding via Transforming Cities Fund

Measure 42

Description: Use of planning conditions for mitigation; including travel plans etc. and to ensure for planning applications within AQMAs that are introducing sensitive receptors to the area that air quality assessments are required, and developments with vulnerable end users that the assessment takes account of WHO guidelines on air quality and PM2.5.

Organisations involved: RBC

Progress to date: n/a

Measures Considered to be Partially Effective

Measure 6

Description: Real time travel information

Organisations involved: NCC/Via EM

Progress to date: Information conveyed by all forms of media (press, radio, website, social media etc.).

Measure 7

Description: Parking strategy delivery

On-street parking management and control
Nottingham city workplace parking levy (WPL)

Organisations involved: NCC

Progress to date: NCiC introduced WPL within the city in 2012 and have used funding to make passenger transport improvements in the city.

Measure 10

Description: Nottingham City Workplace Parking Levy (WPL)

Organisations involved: NCiC

Progress to date: NCiC introduced WPL within the city in 2012 and have used funding to make passenger transport improvements in the city. Introduced 2012 and ongoing.

Measure 11

Description: NCC travel plan

Organisations involved: NCC

Progress to date: Ongoing - operational for nearly 20 years

Measure 12

Description: Workplace travel plans

Organisations involved: Rushcliffe BC planning/NCC

Progress to date: Developed with businesses as part of planning conditions.

Measure 13

Description: Personalised travel planning (PTP) with residents

Organisations involved: NCC/AECOM

Progress to date: Future PTP will be delivered should revenue funding sources be identified and secured for its delivery.

Measure 14

Description: School travel plans

Organisations involved: NCC

Progress to date: STPs developed with all schools in Rushcliffe.

Measure 15

Description: Flexible working arrangements

Organisations involved: NCC/RBC

Progress to date: NCC operates flexible working arrangements for all its staff.

Measure 16

Description: Car sharing scheme

Organisations involved: NCC

Progress to date: 4592 members currently registered. Implementation ongoing.

Measure 17

Description: Annual walking and cycling promotional marketing.

Organisations involved: NCC

Progress to date: Implementation ongoing. PTP delivered during 2018 following completion of cycle route improvements. Greater Nottingham cycle maps published.

Measure 18

Description: Adult and child cycle training

Organisations involved: NCC

Progress to date: 9,383 people received cycle training in 2019/20, Implementation ongoing.

Measure 20

Description: Web based journey planners.

Organisations involved: NCC

Progress to date: Web based tools included on NCC Travel Choice website.

Measure 21

Description: Cycle hire scheme.

Organisations involved: NCC

Progress to date: no update.

Measure 22

Description: Marketing and promotion of passenger transport.

Organisations involved: NCC/NCiC/PT operators

Progress to date: no update.

Measure 24

Description: Concessionary fare schemes.

Organisations involved: NCC/NCiC/PT operators

Progress to date: Ongoing.

Measure 25

Description: Bus service improvements.

Organisations involved: NCC/NCiC/PT operators

Progress to date: Ongoing.

Measure 30

Description: Development of a more up-to-date guidance document.

Organisations involved: RBC

Progress to date: Guidance Document available to download from the Rushcliffe Website to assist Developers is dated. Update planned to reflect guidance provided in EMAQN document.

Measure 33

Description: Co-ordination of strategy - environmental, development control and local transport strategy.

Organisations involved: NCC/RBC

Progress to date: Review of Nottinghamshire Clean Air Strategy undertaken during 2019 and revised strategy adopted in June 2019.

Measure 38

Description: Raise awareness of the wider government initiatives to reduce air emissions eg ban on the sale of house coal and wet wood.

Organisations involved: NCC

Progress to date: Promote awareness via focussed campaigns using social media outlets.

Measure 40

Description: Investigate potential replacement/upgrading of RBC refuse trucks & vans with ULEV, Biogas, hydrogen fuelled vehicles.

Organisations involved: RBC

Progress to date: No update.

Measures which have been completed or considered to be less effective

Measure 8

Description: Park and ride site to the east of Nottingham.

Organisations involved: NCC

Progress to date: Aborted.

Measure 9

Description: East Midlands Parkway station

Organisations involved: Network Rail/East Midlands Trains

Progress to date: Completed

Measure 23

Description: Integrated ticketing

Organisations involved: NCC/NCiC/PT operators

Progress to date: Integrated ticketing strategy developed in 2014/15. New smartcard platform introduced in 2014. Robin Hood card scheme introduced in 2015.

Measure 26

Description: Nottingham to Lincoln rail line service improvements.

Organisations involved: NCC/district councils/East Midlands Trains

Progress to date: Completed

Measure 28

Description: Eco-Stars programme

Organisations involved: District councils/NCC/ NCiC

Progress to date: Completed

Measure 39

Description: Widen access to staff cycle purchase scheme.

Organisations involved: RBC

Progress to date: In implementation

2.3 PM_2.5– Local Authority Approach to Reducing Emissions and/or Concentrations

As detailed in Policy Guidance LAQM.PG16 (Chapter 7), local authorities are expected to work towards reducing emissions and/or concentrations of PM_2.5(particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5µm or less). There is clear evidence that PM_2.5has a significant impact on human health, including premature mortality, allergic reactions, and cardiovascular diseases.

Within towns and cities, road traffic is an important source of PM_2.5emissions and consequently roadside levels tend to be much higher than those in background locations. Industrial emissions are also a source as is domestic burning which can also significantly increase levels of indoor air pollution.

Rushcliffe Borough Council does not undertake monitoring for particulate matter however an indication of the background concentrations of PM_2.5can be obtained from the current Defra background mapping resource available via UK-AIR. The background data provides estimated concentrations of PM_2.5across the Borough for the current 2018 reference year and indicates concentrations range from 8µg m^-3 to 10.5µg m^-3. Across the wider Midlands region estimated concentrations of PM_2.5range from 5.5µg m^-3 to 12.5µg m^-3_.

The Public Health England Public Health Outcomes Framework indicator D01 provides estimates of local mortality burdens associated with particulate air pollution. This data, presented for each local authority, is based on the research evidence of mortality risk and modelled levels of background air pollution to which populations are exposed at a local level. The attributable fraction (i.e. the proportion of deaths estimated as due to long-term exposure to anthropogenic particulate PM_2.5air pollution) for Rushcliffe for 2019 (Public Health Outcomes Framework At a Glance Summary – Rushcliffe (2019)) was 5.33% which is in line with the regional level of 5.34% and the national level of 5.13%.

The Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Air Quality Strategy 2020-2030 aims are (1) to reduce average concentrations of NO₂ and particulate matter across the County; and (2) to reduce the estimated proportion of disease and deaths attributable to air pollution.

Rushcliffe Borough Council is taking the following measures to address PM_2.5:

Rushcliffe Borough Council continues to work with our transport partners (Nottinghamshire County Council and Highways England) and other stakeholders to reduce transport impacts as a whole. This has benefit not only for NO₂ but all emissions from transport sources, including PM₅;
Planning applications for commercial wood/biomass burning plants are screened to determine whether an air quality assessment is required. One of the key considerations within an assessment will be emissions of particulate matter;
We will continue to work with PHE in considering the data on the Rushcliffe population in relation to respiratory illness in order to determine whether there is a correlation between the areas of high prevalence respiratory illnesses and the AQMAs. The principal application used is the Strategic Health Asset Planning and Evaluation (SHAPE) tool which is a web-enabled evidence-based application which informs and supports strategic planning of services and physical assets across the health economy;
Within the Borough the areas of Edwalton and West Bridgford have been declared Smoke Control Areas. The Council works to ensure only exempt appliances are used and authorised fuels are burnt in these areas;
As awareness of the health effects of exposure to particulate matter increases within the population, we anticipate an increase in enquiries/complaints in relation to local air quality, including domestic burning and bonfires. We will consider running focussed campaigns to increase awareness and help residents to make informed choices.

3 Air Quality Monitoring Data and Comparison with Air Quality Objectives and National Compliance

This section sets out the monitoring undertaken within 2020 by Rushcliffe Borough Council and how it compares with the relevant air quality objectives. In addition, monitoring results are presented for a five-year period between 2016 and 2020 to allow monitoring trends to be identified and discussed.

3.1 Summary of Monitoring Undertaken

Rushcliffe Borough Council undertook automatic (continuous) monitoring at two sites during 2020. The continuous monitors are both located within AQMAs. Appendix A shows the details of the automatic monitoring sites. Automatic monitoring results are available through the UK-Air website.

Maps showing the location of the monitoring sites are provided in Appendix D. Further details on how the monitors are calibrated and how the data has been adjusted are included in Appendix C.

3.1.1 Automatic Monitoring Sites

Rushcliffe Borough Council undertook non- automatic (i.e. passive) monitoring of NO₂ at twenty-seven sites during 2020. The details of the non-automatic sites is shown in the Air Quality Annual Status Report 2021 (3 - 1,033KB).

Maps showing the location of the monitoring sites are provided in Appendix D. Further details on Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) for the diffusion tubes, including bias adjustments and any other adjustments applied (e.g. annualisation and/or distance correction), are included in Appendix C.

3.1.2 Non-Automatic Monitoring Sites

As part of the ongoing review and management of the local air quality monitoring network nine locations (HH, PC, SH, BH, A52 HHF2, A52 HHF3, Trent B2, Trent B3 and Monitor) were removed from the 2019 network. Several locations (HH, PC, SH and BH) had consistently reported NO₂ annual mean concentrations below the air quality objective. Other locations (A52 HHF2, A52 HHF3, Trent B2, Trent B3 and Monitor) were duplicate or triplicate tubes located alongside a continuous monitor. These were originally installed with a view to engaging in co-location studies however as this had not happened the duplicate and triplicate tubes were no longer deemed necessary. At each of the two existing continuous monitor locations at least one diffusion tube has been retained.

Maps showing the location of the monitoring sites are provided in Appendix D. Further details on Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) for the diffusion tubes, including bias adjustments and any other adjustments applied (eg annualisation and/or distance correction), are included in Appendix C.

3.2 Individual Pollutants

The air quality monitoring results presented in this section are, where relevant, adjusted for bias, annualisation (where the annual mean data capture is below 75% and greater than 25%), and distance correction. Further details on adjustments are provided in Appendix C.

3.2.1 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)

Information in Appendix A compares the ratified and adjusted monitored NO₂ annual mean concentrations for the past five years with the air quality objective of 40µg m^-3. Note that the concentration data presented represents the concentration at the location of the monitoring site, following the application of bias adjustment and annualisation, as required (i.e. the values are exclusive of any consideration to fall-off with distance adjustment).

For diffusion tubes, the full 2020 dataset of monthly mean values is provided in Appendix B. Note that the concentration data presented includes distance corrected values, only where relevant. It was not necessary to undertake distance correction as the NO₂ annual mean concentration was below 36µg m^-3 at all locations where this may have been required. There was no monitoring data recorded for April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of the national lockdown limiting our ability to install and remove the diffusion tubes within the required time period. For all other months in 2020 tubes were installed in accordance with the 2020 diffusion tube calendar. Annualisation was required at one location (1HS) as data capture fell below 75%.

In Appendix A the ratified continuous monitored NO₂ hourly mean concentrations for the past five years is compared with the air quality objective of 200µg m^-3, not to be exceeded more than 18 times per year. There were no exceedances of the hourly air quality objective at either continuous monitoring site which is consistent with the trend for the past four years.

The data presented in Table A3 and Table A4 shows the NO₂ annual mean concentration did not exceed the air quality objective at any location during 2020. It can be seen from Figure A.1 the NO₂ annual mean concentration was lower in 2020 at all locations across the network than in any of the previous five years.

In AQMA No 1 Trent Bridge the NO₂ annual mean concentration was 27µg m^-3, a reduction of 27% when compared to 2019 data. The maximum hourly mean was 136µg m^-3 so there were no exceedances of the NO₂ hourly limit of 200µg m^-3.

In AQMA No 1/2011 Stragglethorpe Road the NO₂ annual mean concentration was 31µg m^-3, a reduction of 24% when compared to 2019 data. The maximum hourly mean was 128µg m^-3 so there were no exceedances of the NO₂ hourly limit of 200µg m^-3.

As indicated previously the 2020 data has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns therefore it is difficult to draw robust conclusions from the dataset for this year. It remains to be seen whether the lifestyle changes required to deal with the pandemic will have a long-term impact on population behaviour eg if significant numbers of people continue to work from home this may reduce traffic congestion at peak times. However, the pandemic also resulted in a significant drop in the number of people using public transport which is may lead to an increase in road traffic.

Rushcliffe Borough Council will continue to monitor in both AQMAs. In AQMA No 1 Trent Bridge the NO₂ annual mean concentration has been below the air quality objective for a number of years. We will consider revocation of the AQMA within the next 1-2 years should monitoring results demonstrate continued compliance and achieve concentrations in the region of 10% below the objective.

In AQMA No 1/2011 Stragglethorpe Road NO₂ annual mean concentrations have decreased significantly since declaration and have been at or close to the objective over the past few years. We will continue to monitor within the AQMA and review the data annually.

3.2.2 Particulate Matter (PM₁₀)

Rushcliffe Borough Council does not monitor Particulate Matter (PM₁₀).

3.2.3 Particulate Matter (PM_2.5)

Rushcliffe Borough Council does not monitor Particulate Matter (PM_2.5).

3.2.4 Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂)

Rushcliffe Borough Council does not monitor sulphur dioxide (SO₂).

Appendix A: Monitoring Results

Details of Automatic Monitoring Sites

Site ID - Trent Bridge

Site name: Loughborough Road/Trent Bridge, West Bridgford

Site type: Roadside

X OS grid reference: 458256

Y OS grid reference: 338156

Pollutants monitored: NO₂

In a AQMA?: Yes (AQMA No1 Trent Bridge)

Monitoring technique: Chemiluminescent

Distance to relevant exposure in metres (1): 0

Distance to kerb of nearest road in metres (2): 3.75

Inlet height in metres: 1.5

Site ID - Holme House

Site name: Holme House, A52 Stragglethorpe junction, Radcliffe on Trent

Site type: Roadside

X OS grid reference: 463005

Y OS grid reference: 338208

Pollutants monitored: NO₂

In a AQMA?: Yes (AQMA No1/2011 Stragglethorpe Road)

Monitoring technique: Chemiluminescent

Distance to relevant exposure in metres (1): 0

Distance to kerb of nearest road in metres (2): 7.5

Inlet height in metres: 1.5

Notes:

0m if the monitoring site is at a location of exposure (eg installed on the façade of a residential property).
N/A if not applicable

Details of Automatic Monitoring Sites

Information about these sites is shown in tables in the Air Quality Annual Status Report 2021 (3 - 1,033KB).

Annual Mean NO₂ Monitoring Results: Automatic Monitoring (µg m^-3)

Site ID - Trent Bridge

X OS grid reference: 458256

Y OS grid reference: 338156

Site type: Roadside

Valid data capture for monitoring period (%) (1): No data

Valid data capture 2020 (%) (2): 95.4

2016: No data

2017: 37

2018: 36

2019: 37

2020: 27

Site ID - A52 Holme House

X OS grid reference: 463005

Y OS grid reference: 338208

Site type: Roadside

Valid data capture for monitoring period (%) (1): No data

Valid data capture 2020 (%) (2): 99.5

2016: 41

2017: 38

2018: 39

2019: 41

2020: 31

Annualisation has been conducted where data capture is <75% and >25% in line with LAQM.TG16.

Reported concentrations are those at the location of the monitoring site (annualised, as required), ie prior to any fall-off with distance correction.

Notes:

The annual mean concentrations are presented as µg m^-3.

Exceedances of the NO₂ annual mean objective of 40µg m^-3 are shown in bold.

All means have been “annualised” as per LAQM.TG16 if valid data capture for the full calendar year is less than 75%. See Appendix C for details.

Concentrations are those at the location of monitoring and not those following any fall-off with distance adjustment.

Data capture for the monitoring period, in cases where monitoring was only carried out for part of the year.
Data capture for the full calendar year (eg if monitoring was carried out for 6 months, the maximum data capture for the full calendar year is 50%).

Annual Mean NO₂ Monitoring Results: Non-Automatic Monitoring (µg m^-3)

Information about these sites is shown in tables in the Air Quality Annual Status Report 2021.

Monitoring Charts

Charts can be found in the Air Quality Annual Status Report 2021 for:

Trends in Annual Mean NO₂ Concentrations Across All Diffusion Tube Locations between 2017 and 2021
Trends in Annual Mean NO₂ Concentrations Across All Locations (Continuous and Passive) in AQMA No 1 Trent Bridge between 2017 and 2021
Trends in Annual Mean NO₂ Concentrations Across All Locations (Continuous and Passive) in AQMA No 1/2011 Stragglethorpe Road between 2016 and 2020
Trends in Annual Mean NO₂ Concentrations Across All Diffusion Tube Locations not in a AQMA between 2017 and 2021

1-Hour Mean NO₂ Monitoring Results, Number of 1-Hour Means > 200µg m^-3

Site ID - Trent Bridge

X OS grid reference: 458256

Y OS grid reference: 338156

Site type: Roadside

Valid data capture for monitoring period (%) (1): No data

Valid data capture 2020 (%) (2): 98.9

2017: 0

2018: 0

2019: 0

2020: 0

2021: 0

Site ID - A52 Holme House

X OS grid reference: 463005

Y OS grid reference: 338208

Site type: Roadside

Valid data capture for monitoring period (%) (1): No data

Valid data capture 2020 (%) (2): 93.5

2017: 0

2018: 0

2019: 0

2020: 0

2021: 0

Notes:

Results are presented as the number of 1-hour periods where concentrations greater than 200µg m^-3 have been recorded.

Exceedances of the NO₂ 1-hour mean objective (200µg m^-3 not to be exceeded more than 18 times/year) are shown in bold.

If the period of valid data is less than 85%, the 99.8th percentile of 1-hour means is provided in brackets.

Data capture for the monitoring period, in cases where monitoring was only carried out for part of the year.
Data capture for the full calendar year (eg if monitoring was carried out for 6 months, the maximum data capture for the full calendar year is 50%).

Appendix B: Full Monthly Diffusion Tube Results for 2020

The detailed data for monthly diffusion tube results for 2021 can be found in the Air Quality Annual Status Report 2021 ( - 1,033KB).

Appendix C: Supporting Technical Information / Air Quality Monitoring Data QA/QC

New or Changed Sources Identified Within Rushcliffe Borough Council During 2020

Rushcliffe Borough Council has not identified any new sources relating to air quality within the reporting year of 2021.

Additional Air Quality Works Undertaken by Rushcliffe Borough Council During 2021

During 2021 Rushcliffe Borough Council published an updated Air Quality Action Plan which outlines the actions Rushcliffe Borough Council, and its partners will take to improve air quality in Rushcliffe Borough between December 2021 and December 2026. The 2021 Air Quality Action Plan can be viewed on our action plan webpage Air Quality Action Plan December 2021.

The 2021 AQAP replaces the previous two AQAPs (specific to each Air Quality Management Area) and whilst the two have been consolidated into one AQAP, there remains (where appropriate) measures specific to each of the AQMAs.

QA/QC of Diffusion Tube Monitoring

All monitoring and data management is undertaken by fully trained in-house employees who have several years’ experience in air quality monitoring and data management. Any new personnel undertake appropriate supervised training in line with the Service’s competency scheme prior to any unsupervised monitoring, calibration or data management. Currently two personnel are trained and competent to undertake such work.

The location of the diffusion tube monitoring sites is reviewed periodically (at least annually). Locations may be removed where for example data indicates annual mean concentrations are consistently well below the Air Quality Objective; and new locations may be added where potential new sources have been identified or concerns have been raised by the public.

Nitrogen Dioxide Diffusion Tube Monitoring

Rushcliffe Borough Council use Gradko diffusion tubes prepared using 20% Triethanolamine (TEA) in water to measure nitrogen dioxide at a number of sites across the Borough. The diffusion tubes are stored in an airtight bag in a refrigerator upon receipt in the post and are used within 6 weeks of the preparation date displayed on the label.

Tube batches are exposed at selected sites to the atmosphere for approximately 4 weeks with the changeover date aiming to be +/-one day of the published diffusion tube change over date for the month to allow comparison with other Local Authority studies if necessary. All tubes are mounted using spacer brackets and grommets supplied by Gradko.

Each tube is labelled with a bar code and unique identification number. Each batch is supplied with a data collection form to record the location, date and time each tube is exposed in that period. The exposure period is calculated using an Excel spreadsheet and in addition Gradko recheck the calculated exposure period for each tube on receipt at the laboratory.

On the day of collection, the tubes are sent in an airtight bag to Gradko International Limited for analysis, together with a control blank that is stored unexposed in the sample fridge. The diffusion tubes are analysed within the scope of Gradko International Limited Laboratory Quality Procedures utilising in-house Laboratory Method GLM7. Gradko is a UKAS accredited laboratory and undertakes diffusion tube monitoring and analyses on the same basis for a number of other local authorities and environmental consultants. All local authorities in the Nottinghamshire Pollution Working Group use Gradko for their diffusion tube monitoring and analyses.

Nitrogen dioxide absorbed as nitrite by TEA is determined by spectrophotometric measurement at 540nanometres. Nitrite reacts with the added reagent to form a reddish-purple azo dye and the optical density of this complex is measured using Camspec UV/Visible Spectrophotometer. The concentrations of nitrogen dioxide are then calculated from a pre-calibrated response factor and exposure times. The values are blank corrected using the blank ‘control’ diffusion tube provided by Rushcliffe Borough Council.

The accuracy of the measurements made by Gradko are monitored by participation in an external laboratory measurement proficiency scheme, the Workplace Analysis Scheme for Proficiency (WASP), implemented by the Health and Safety Laboratory in Sheffield. The results of the most recent WASP analysis are available LAQM - Diffusion Tube QA/QC Framework.

All diffusion tube data is checked on a monthly basis to identify any spurious data and compared with other local monitoring sites to further identify any suspect data.

The 2021 monitoring was completed in accordance with the 2021 Diffusion Tube Monitoring Calendar.

Diffusion Tube Annualisation

Annualisation is required for any site with data capture less than 75% but greater than 25%. Therefore, based on this criteria annualisation was required for the two diffusion tube locations where monitoring commenced part way through 2021 - Rempston which had 3 months of data (25% data capture) for 2021; and A52 Bass which had 7 months of data (58% data capture) for 2021. Annualisation was undertaken using the Diffusion Tube Data Processing Tool. The nearest continuous background sites were Nottingham Centre (Defra UK-AIR ID: UKA00274), Leicester University (Defra UK-AIR ID: UKA00573) and Burton-on-Trent Horninglow (Defra UK-AIR ID: UKA00652) each of which had data capture greater than 85% for 2021. The annualisation tool calculated average annualisation factors of 0.81 (Rempstone) and 1.00 (A52 Bass) which were used to adjust the raw data simple annual mean for the respective locations.

Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Factors

The diffusion tube data presented within the 2021 ASR have been corrected for bias using an adjustment factor. Bias represents the overall tendency of the diffusion tubes to under or over-read relative to the reference chemiluminescence analyser. LAQM.TG16 provides guidance with regard to the application of a bias adjustment factor to correct diffusion tube monitoring. Triplicate co-location studies can be used to determine a local bias factor based on the comparison of diffusion tube results with data taken from NO_x/NO₂ continuous analysers. Alternatively, the national database of diffusion tube co-location surveys provides bias factors for the relevant laboratory and preparation method.

Whilst we had the option of using either a local factor derived from co-location studies with the NOX analyser we have used the national bias adjustment factor as
The co-location sites are not typical of the locations of the diffusion tube study; and
The national bias adjustment factor has been used in previous Annual Status Reports. Continuing to use this factor will provide a consistent approach to bias adjustment year on year.

Rushcliffe Borough Council have applied a national bias adjustment factor of 0.84 to the 2021 monitoring data. This was derived from the national database of bias factors (Database_Diffusion_Tube_Bias_Factors_v03_22 v2) for Gradko tubes, 20% TEA in water and based on 32 studies. A summary of bias adjustment factors used by Rushcliffe Borough Council over the past five years is presented in the table below.

Rushcliffe Borough Council does not currently have any co-location sites and therefore a local factor could not be calculated.

Bias Adjustment Factor
Year	Local or National	If National, Version of National Spreadsheet	Adjustment Factor
2021	National	03/22	0.84
2020	National	03/21 v2	0.81
2019	National	03/20	0.93
2018	National	03/19	0.93
2017	National	03/18	0.89

NO2 Fall-off with Distance from the Road

Wherever possible, local authorities should ensure that monitoring locations are representative of exposure. However, where this is not possible, the NO2 concentration at the nearest location relevant for exposure should be estimated using the Diffusion Tube Data Processing Tool/NO2 fall-off with distance calculator available on the LAQM Support website. Where appropriate, non-automatic annual mean NO₂ concentrations corrected for distance are presented in Table B.1.

No diffusion tube NO₂ monitoring locations within Rushcliffe Borough Council required distance correction during 2021.

QA/QC of Automatic Monitoring

The NO₂ continuous monitor within AQMA No 1 Trent Bridge is located at the junction of Radcliffe Road and Loughborough Road, West Bridgford and is a permanent site. It was installed at this location in 2017 and is a ML9841B single chamber chemiluminescence analyser and is approved by TUV, USEPA and NETCEN. Within AQMA No 1/2011 Stragglethorpe Road a chemiluminescence analyser was installed adjacent to the dwelling façade in a Kaizen enclosure in early 2014.

The analysers have a resolution of 0.001ppm and a reported lower detection limit of <0.5ppb. The linearity error of the analyser is +/-1% of the full scale (from best line fit), and the precision is 0.5ppb or 1% of concentration reading (whichever is greater).

Instrument Checks and Calibration

Daily automated calibration: Zero air is generated by passing air through the scrubbers and the reaction cell. Span gas is generated by a permeation tube and passed to the reaction chamber to give the span calibration response. The daily automatic calibrations are used to check the instrument performance and drift.

Analyser Inspection and Manual Calibration: The analysers are covered by an annual service and maintenance contract to include calibration checks, flow and leak checks, cleaning of components, analyser diagnostic checks, replacement of faulty components and consumables and fault call-out.

Manual calibration checks are carried out by Rushcliffe Borough Council staff on a fortnightly basis using scrubbed zero air derived from the integrated scrubber column and a certified NO/NOX calibration gas is supplied by BOC gases. The BOC gas is changed when the certification expires. The analyser is taken out of service and the inlet filter changed prior to connecting the calibration gases. The zero air and NO/NOX gases are run through the analyser and the response times noted together with the instrument gain factor. The output of the analyser (eg the gain) is only reset or altered following equipment service or repair or if drift occurs necessitating a change of the gain setting. The calibration zero values, span values and gas certified values are used to rescale the raw data received from the analyser.

Validation: all data are continuously screened algorithmically and manually for anomalies. There are several techniques designed to discover spurious and unusual measurements within large datasets. These anomalies may be due to equipment failure, power failure, human error, interference or other disturbances. Automatic screening can only safely identify spurious results that need further manual investigation.

Raw data from the gaseous instruments are scaled into concentrations using the latest values derived from the automatic and manual calibrations. These instruments are not absolute and suffer drifts. Both the zero baseline and the sensitivity may change over time. Regular calibrations with certified gas standards are used to measure the zero and sensitivity. However, these are only valid for the moment of the calibration since the instrument will continue to drift.

Data Ratification

All raw data is examined for consistency and the existence of any spurious results. Negative values are examined and either removed or rescaled further and high values interrogated to see if the readings are consistent with expectations or an equipment error may have occurred. Data obtained during calibration checks is automatically excluded from the database by a software service switch on the instrument panel which is used during calibration checks.

If any doubts exist as to the satisfactory status of any data it is excluded from the database calculations. The reason for exclusion of a dataset is annotated against it to allow for traceability and data ratification. The most common reason for exclusion is monitor breakdown leading to consistently high or low readings. However, a power failure can also be a cause as can specific events noted by Officers during visits eg trucks/equipment in operation next to the monitor for building façade maintenance or similar.

Information from other analysers on the system can also be accessed to compare any data that may be experiencing high or low readings to enable a decision to be made on the status of any highlighted data. This includes the Automatic Urban and Rural Network (AURN) monitors operated by Nottingham City Council.

Air Quality Data Management (AQDM) prepare a monthly monitoring report of provisional measurements for the Rushcliffe and Nottingham network and every quarter the available information is critically assessed so that the best data scaling is applied and all anomalies are appropriately edited. Although this quarterly data processing helps build a reliable dataset as unexpected faults can be identified during the routine servicing or independent audits the data can only be fully ratified in 12 month or annual periods. Data ratification is undertaken by AQDM to LAQM (TG16) standards using the AURN methodology and reported for each of the two continuous monitors. The data presented in this ASR has been ratified.

Historic and live data for Rushcliffe Borough Council is available to view via the UK AIR website.

Automatic Monitoring Annualisation

All automatic monitoring locations within Rushcliffe Borough Council recorded data capture of greater than 75% therefore it was not required to annualise any monitoring data. In addition, any sites with a data capture below 25% do not require annualisation.

The NO₂ annual data capture for the continuous monitor located in AQMA No 1 Trent Bridge was 98.9% and 93.5% for the continuous monitor located in AQMA No 1/2011 Stragglethorpe Road.

NO2 Fall-off with Distance from the Road

Wherever possible, local authorities should ensure that monitoring locations are representative of exposure. However, where this is not possible, the NO₂ concentration at the nearest location relevant for exposure should be estimated using the NO₂ fall-off with distance calculator available on the LAQM Support website. Where appropriate, non-automatic annual mean NO2 concentrations corrected for distance are presented in Table B.1.

No automatic NO₂ monitoring locations within Rushcliffe Borough Council required distance correction during 2021.

Annualisation Summary (concentrations presented in µg m^-3)

Site ID: Rempston

Annualisation Factor Nottingham Centre: 0.8036

Annualisation Factor Leicester University: 0.7772

Annualisation Factor Burton on Trent Horninglow: 0.8521

Annualisation Factor Site 4: No site

Average Annualisation Factor: 0.8110

Raw Data Mean: 24.1

Annualisation Annual Mean: 19.5

Comments: None

Site ID: A52 Bass

Annualisation Factor Nottingham Centre: 0.9773

Annualisation Factor Leicester University: 0.9222

Annualisation Factor Burton on Trent Horninglow: 1.1023

Annualisation Factor Site 4: No site

Average Annualisation Factor: 1.0006

Raw Data Mean: 17.4

Annualisation Annual Mean: 17.4

Comments: None

Appendix D: Maps of Monitoring Locations and AQMAs

Please note, maps can be found on the pdf version of this report. The Air Quality Annual Status Report 2021 ( - 1,033KB) has the following maps:

D.1 – Map Showing the Borough wide diffusion tube network

D.2 – Map Showing the diffusion tube network across West Bridgford

D.3 – Map Showing Location of AQMA No 1 Trent Bridge and continuous monitor and diffusion tube locations

D.4 – Map of AQMA No 1/2011 Stragglethorpe Road showing continuous monitor and diffusion tube locations

Appendix E: Summary of Air Quality Objectives in England

Air Quality Objectives in England
Pollutant	Air Quality Objective: Concentration (units in micrograms of pollutant per cubic metre of air)	Air Quality Objective: Measured as
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)	200µg/m³ not to be exceeded more than 18 times a year	1 hour mean
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)	40µg/m³	Annual mean
Particulate Matter (PM₁₀)	50µg/m³, not to be exceeded more than 35 times a year	24 hour mean
Particulate Matter (PM₁₀)	40µg/m³	Annual mean
Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂)	350µg/m³, not to be exceeded more than 24 times a year	1 hour mean
Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂)	125µg/m³, not to be exceeded more than 3 times a year	24 hour mean
Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂)	266µg/m³, not to be exceeded more than 35 times a year	15 minute mean

Glossary of Terms

Glossary of Terms
Abbreviation	Description
AQAP	Air Quality Action Plan - A detailed description of measures, outcomes, achievement dates and implementation methods, showing how the local authority intends to achieve air quality limit values’
AQMA	Air Quality Management Area – An area where air pollutant concentrations exceed / are likely to exceed the relevant air quality objectives. AQMAs are declared for specific pollutants and objectives
ASR	Annual Status Report
ATF	Active Travel Fund
AURN	Automatic Urban and Rural Network (Defra) - UK's largest automatic monitoring network and is the main network used for compliance reporting against the Ambient Air Quality Directives. It includes automatic air quality monitoring stations measuring oxides of nitrogen (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO) and particles (PM10, PM2.5)
BSIP	Bus Service Implementation Plans
D2N2	Local Enterprise Network area covering Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
Defra	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
DfT	Department for Transport
DMRB	Design Manual for Roads and Bridges – Air quality screening tool produced by Highways England
EMAQN	East Midlands Air Quality Network
ERDF	European Regional Development Fund
EU	European Union
EVCP	Electric Vehicle Charging Points
FDMS	Filter Dynamics Measurement System
LAQM	Local Air Quality Management
LCWIP	Local Cycling & Walking Infrastructure Plan
LEVI	Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (Department for Transport funding)
LTP	Local Transport Plan
NCC	Nottinghamshire County Council
NCiC	Nottingham City Council
NEPWG	Nottinghamshire Environmental Protection Working Group
NH	National Highways (previously known as Highways England)
NO₂	Nitrogen Dioxide
NO_X	Nitrogen Oxides
NPWG	Nottinghamshire Pollution Working Group
OLEV	Office for Low Emission Vehicles (now known as OZEV Office for Zero Emission Vehicles)
OZEV	Office for Zero Emission Vehicles
PHE	Public Health England (now known as UK Health Security Agency)
PHOF	Public Health Outcomes Framework
PM₁₀	Airborne particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10µm or less
PM_2.5	Airborne particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5µm or less
QA/QC	Quality Assurance and Quality Control
RBC	Rushcliffe Borough Council
SO₂	Sulphur Dioxide
UKHSA	United Kingdom Health Security Agency (formerly known as Public Health England)

References

Local Air Quality Management Technical Guidance LAQM.TG16. April 2021. Published by Defra in partnership with the Scottish Government, Welsh Assembly Government and Department of the Environment Northern Ireland.
Local Air Quality Management Policy Guidance LAQM.PG16. May 2016. Published by Defra in partnership with the Scottish Government, Welsh Assembly Government and Department of the Environment Northern Ireland.
Copeland B (2021) A comparison of gas and electric cremator emissions in the UK. A dissertation submitted to the School of Energy, Construction and Environment, Faculty of Engineering, Environment and Computing, Coventry University in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Geography BSc (Hons).

Accessible Documents

Air Quality Annual Status Report 2021

Air Quality Annual Status Report (ASR) 2021

In fulfilment of Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 Local Air Quality Management

Table of Contents

Executive Summary: Air Quality in Our Area

Air Quality in Rushcliffe Borough Council

Actions to Improve Air Quality

Conclusions and Priorities

Local Engagement and How to Get Involved

1 Local Air Quality Management

2 Actions to Improve Air Quality

2.1 Air Quality Management Areas

Declared Air Quality Management Areas

2.2 Progress and Impact of Measures to address Air Quality in Rushcliffe Borough Council

Measures which have been completed or considered to be less effective

2.3 PM2.5 – Local Authority Approach to Reducing Emissions and/or Concentrations

3 Air Quality Monitoring Data and Comparison with Air Quality Objectives and National Compliance

3.1 Summary of Monitoring Undertaken

3.1.1 Automatic Monitoring Sites

3.1.2 Non-Automatic Monitoring Sites

3.2 Individual Pollutants

3.2.1 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

3.2.2 Particulate Matter (PM10)

3.2.3 Particulate Matter (PM2.5)

3.2.4 Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)

Appendix A: Monitoring Results

Details of Automatic Monitoring Sites

Site ID - Trent Bridge

Site ID - Holme House

Details of Automatic Monitoring Sites

Annual Mean NO2 Monitoring Results: Automatic Monitoring (µg m-3)

Site ID - Trent Bridge

Site ID - A52 Holme House

Annual Mean NO2 Monitoring Results: Non-Automatic Monitoring (µg m-3)

Monitoring Charts

1-Hour Mean NO2 Monitoring Results, Number of 1-Hour Means > 200µg m-3

Site ID - Trent Bridge

Site ID - A52 Holme House

Appendix B: Full Monthly Diffusion Tube Results for 2020

Appendix C: Supporting Technical Information / Air Quality Monitoring Data QA/QC

New or Changed Sources Identified Within Rushcliffe Borough Council During 2020

Additional Air Quality Works Undertaken by Rushcliffe Borough Council During 2021

QA/QC of Diffusion Tube Monitoring

Nitrogen Dioxide Diffusion Tube Monitoring

QA/QC of Automatic Monitoring

Instrument Checks and Calibration

Data Ratification

Annualisation Summary (concentrations presented in µg m-3)

Appendix D: Maps of Monitoring Locations and AQMAs

Appendix E: Summary of Air Quality Objectives in England

Glossary of Terms

References

2.3 PM_2.5– Local Authority Approach to Reducing Emissions and/or Concentrations

3.2.1 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)

3.2.2 Particulate Matter (PM₁₀)

3.2.3 Particulate Matter (PM_2.5)

3.2.4 Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂)

Annual Mean NO₂ Monitoring Results: Automatic Monitoring (µg m^-3)

Annual Mean NO₂ Monitoring Results: Non-Automatic Monitoring (µg m^-3)

1-Hour Mean NO₂ Monitoring Results, Number of 1-Hour Means > 200µg m^-3

Annualisation Summary (concentrations presented in µg m^-3)