Initiative is a breath of fresh air
News release 8400, published on 30 Jan 2019
It is at this time of year that many New Year’s resolutions start to be forgotten.
But Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is encouraging residents to make a new pledge and stick to it - the resolution to reduce air pollution.
The council is launching an initiative to raise awareness of the ways in which everyone can do their bit to maintain good air quality in the borough.
Clean Air Basingstoke and Deane is encouraging residents to use their vehicles less, to stop idling their car engines and to think about the ways in which they can reduce pollution in their own homes.
Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services and the Environment Cllr Hayley Eachus said: “There’s lots that we are doing as a council to help reduce air pollution.
“But everyone needs to do their bit. Vehicles are the main source of air pollution, so think about how you might be able to use your car less. Could you walk to the shops, take part in a car share, or use public transport more regularly?
“Even pledging to drive just a few miles fewer each week can add up to make a big difference.
“When you need to drive, please think about how you’re driving. Idling contributes to toxic emissions in the air we breathe both inside and outside your car. Simply switching your engine off and on again will help to reduce air pollution.”
The borough council is committed to reducing levels of pollution in Basingstoke and Deane and has invested £2million in a new greener fleet of service vehicles. Work is ongoing with Hampshire County Council to develop a new Transport Strategy aimed at promoting sustainable transport and the borough council has also recently introduced a new taxi licensing scheme which includes a maximum age limit for vehicles.
Further measures to encourage licenced drivers to switch to low emission vehicles will also be considered. The borough and county councils are also working with local schools to raise awareness of air quality issues and to promote sustainable transport.
Visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/clean-air or follow @BasingstokeGov on social media to find out about all the ways in which you can do your bit to maintain and improve air quality in the borough.
But Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is encouraging residents to make a new pledge and stick to it - the resolution to reduce air pollution.
The council is launching an initiative to raise awareness of the ways in which everyone can do their bit to maintain good air quality in the borough.
Clean Air Basingstoke and Deane is encouraging residents to use their vehicles less, to stop idling their car engines and to think about the ways in which they can reduce pollution in their own homes.
Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services and the Environment Cllr Hayley Eachus said: “There’s lots that we are doing as a council to help reduce air pollution.
“But everyone needs to do their bit. Vehicles are the main source of air pollution, so think about how you might be able to use your car less. Could you walk to the shops, take part in a car share, or use public transport more regularly?
“Even pledging to drive just a few miles fewer each week can add up to make a big difference.
“When you need to drive, please think about how you’re driving. Idling contributes to toxic emissions in the air we breathe both inside and outside your car. Simply switching your engine off and on again will help to reduce air pollution.”
The borough council is committed to reducing levels of pollution in Basingstoke and Deane and has invested £2million in a new greener fleet of service vehicles. Work is ongoing with Hampshire County Council to develop a new Transport Strategy aimed at promoting sustainable transport and the borough council has also recently introduced a new taxi licensing scheme which includes a maximum age limit for vehicles.
Further measures to encourage licenced drivers to switch to low emission vehicles will also be considered. The borough and county councils are also working with local schools to raise awareness of air quality issues and to promote sustainable transport.
Visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/clean-air or follow @BasingstokeGov on social media to find out about all the ways in which you can do your bit to maintain and improve air quality in the borough.