To consider the presentation by Feliciano Cirimele.

The Forum received a presentation from the Environmental Protection Officer on Air Quality on the borough.

Members noted that there was wide recognition that air pollution was associated with a number of adverse health impacts. It affected the most vulnerable in society: children and older people, and those with heart and lung conditions. The Environment Act 1995 required local authorities to review, assess and manage air quality. Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter (PM₁₀) from vehicle emissions were the most common pollutants affecting local air quality.

Air quality was affected by a number of factors, including traffic volume, traffic congestion, vehicle types, localised conditions i.e. street canyons, weather conditions and pollution episodes and the background concentration of pollutants.

Air quality in the borough was generally good, but the annual mean air quality objective (AQO) for NO₂ was exceeded in some locations. Air quality management areas (AQMAs) were declared where pollutant concentrations exceeded the AQO. There were five AQMAs in the Royal Borough:

·         Maidenhead town centre and the A4 to Maidenhead Bridge

·         A308 in Bray around the M4 flyover

·         Clarence Road roundabout and Arthur Road in Windsor

·         Imperial Road / St Leonards Road in Windsor

·         Wraysbury Road in Hythe End around the M25 flyover

Councillor Bicknell arrived at 6.48pm

It was noted that AQMAs were a material consideration in any planning application.

Members received details of the trends in annual mean NO₂ concentration levels at the various AQMA sites across the borough. It was noted that there was a noticeable dip in levels across all sites in the borough for the period 2014-15. Members were advised that there had also been a similar trend across the London area.

It was noted that the Air Quality Action Plan was part of the Local Transport Plan. Once an AQMA had been declared, a local authority had to develop and implement an Air Quality Action Plan setting out schemes and initiatives that would be delivered to achieve air quality objectives. Actions may include:

·         Traffic management schemes (e.g. road widening and junction improvements)

·         Traffic reduction schemes (e.g. congestion charging)

·         Targeting the most polluting traffic (e.g. low emission zones and specifying low emission vehicles for bus contracts)

·         Encouraging a shift to more sustainable forms of transport (e.g. walking, cycling, public transport and car sharing)

·         Schemes to contain pollution (e.g. barriers around motorway flyovers)

Councillor Mrs Yong arrived at 6.50pm

In relation to the Maidenhead AQMA it was noted that the Stafferton Link removed traffic from congested areas to the west and north of the town centre with a new crossing on the Green Way. Moorbridge Road gateway would reduce traffic passing through the police station roundabout and Bridge Road / Forlease Road junction. Maidenhead station interchange would improve access on foot, by bike and by bus, with more cycle parking. The Access and Movement Study would identify improvements to the town centre’s road system, pedestrian, cycle and bus network. A bid was being submitted to the Local Enterprise Partnership to help improve walking and cycling access to / through the town centre. Car clubs were being pursued in connection with new development, which would reduce the need for car ownership and usage.

Travel plans were being sought for all new commercial and residential developments in the town centre.

In relation to the Bray AQMA it was noted that a road widening scheme was proposed around the A308 Windsor Road / B3028 Upper Bray Road junction which would help to prevent congestion caused by right-turning traffic blocking northbound traffic. Higher noise barriers were being sought as part of improvements to the M4. This would help to contain emissions from the motorway, which accounted for around 50% of pollutants in the AQMA.

In relation to the Clarence Road/Arthur Road AQMA it was noted that the new roundabout layout had significantly improved congestion / air quality. The A308 cycle route had recently been improved. LEGOLAND traffic signage had been improved on the M25 to take traffic off at J12 / J13 and through Windsor Great Park rather than Windsor. The council had worked with LEGOLAND to improve the advice to visitors regarding routes and modes of travel (e.g. shuttle buses). Signage to LEGOLAND via Goslar Way had been installed instead of Imperial Road. Traffic exiting LEGOLAND was signed right to the motorway network. A site-wide travel plan had been secured for LEGOLAND.

The signal-controlled junctions on Arthur Road were under review, awaiting consultation results. A 20 mph speed limit across central Windsor was being investigated.

In relation to the Imperial Road / St Leonards Road AQMA, it was noted that the council had consulted on possible changes to the road layout at junctions. Improvements to the operation of signals at both junctions were being made, and also improvements in the link between the signals. The effect of the improvements would be monitored over the summer before deciding whether additional works were required.

In relation to the Hythe End AQMA, it was noted that the council was lobbying Highways England for enhanced noise barriers on the M25 to better contain air pollution around the flyover on Wraysbury Road. A new path would be provided on Staines Road between Wraysbury Village and Magna Carta Lane to provide a safe route to Wraysbury Primary School. There were also possible future enhancements to pedestrian / cycle routes between Wraysbury and Hythe End.

Councillor Bicknell left the meeting at 7.00pm

In response to questions it was confirmed that:

·         The diffusion tubes were finger-sized and were changed monthly. The officer had to drive to each site to undertake this manual operation.

·         Environmental Protection was a statutory consultee on planning applications. It had been a consultee on the Landing application and had requested the building be away from the traffic lane and gaps introduced to avoid a tunnel effect.

·         The drop in pollution levels in 2015 was likely a result of weather conditions and more newer cars on the road that produced less emissions.

·         As there were only hotspots in the borough rather than a widespread pollution issue, the focus was on specific junction improvements.

·         Trees did not help resolve specific traffic problems but could be used as a screen between roads and buildings.

·         Fresh planting of trees would take place as part of the Waterways project, as a number had had to be removed. Trees were also being reinstated on Bridge Avenue.

David Lambourne commented that there was a balancing act when traffic lights were replaced with roundabouts as this was more dangerous for cyclists but improved traffic flow and reduced pollution. Under civil law in Europe a driver was automatically assumed to be at fault if involved in an accident with a pedestrian or cyclist.

The clerk was requested to circulate the presentation so that members could consider the detailed figures and decide at the next meeting whether further improvements were required.

Action: The clerk to circulate the presentation to all attendees