Watlington air quality
Monitoring air quality in Watlington
We have been monitoring air quality in Watlington since 2003, and installed a continuous monitoring station to gather further data in July 2007. Results of this monitoring have shown levels of nitrogen dioxide are exceeding the levels we would want them to be (as set out in in the annual mean objective).
The annual mean objective is there to protect residents living in the area, however the levels are below the short-term objective where we would be concerned for people working in or walking through the area.
Reasons for Watlington's air pollution problem
Watlington's suffers from the classic market town 'street canyon', narrow, high sided streets mean that pollution cannot disperse very easily. Congestion in the town, especially along the High Street have led to the declaration of the Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) on 31 March 2009.
You can view/download a map of Watlington's AQMA from the link at the top of the page on the right.
What happens now ?
We shall be working with local residents, businesses and environmental groups as well as the Parish and Town Councils and Oxfordshire County Council to identify potential measures to improve air quality in the town. We shall then draw up an Air Quality Action Plan to implement the measures identified.
Last reviewed: 24 - 01 - 2011
