DRAFT review terms to tackle and improve air quality across the district have been given the go ahead.

A report on a scrutiny review to address the issue of pollution and how it is affecting people’s lives and health was presented to members of the environment and waste overview and scrutiny committee on Tuesday night.

Overview and scrutiny lead Mustansir Butt said in his report: “The impact of transport on air quality is a significant public health concern.”

The district has four declared air quality management areas.

These are located around areas in Marshfields, Mayo Avenue and Manchester Road, in BD5.

In Marlborough Road, Apsley Villas, Walmer Villas and Manningham Lane, in BD8.

In Holmfield Court and Thornton Road, in BD1 and between the Cock & Bottle Inn, Barkerend Road, Treadwell Mills, Upper Parkgate, Little Germany, and St Mary’s Presbytery, Barkerend, in BD1.

A large number of other locations are thought to be at, or close, to exceeding levels.

Mr Butt added: “The health impact of air quality on the Bradford population and the importance of encouraging more sustainable modes of transport and addressing congestion issues that impact on air quality cannot be overstated.

“In a recent High Court ruling the judge said that more action was required to tackle air quality in 45 English and Welsh authorities. Bradford is one of these areas.”

The review will look at the effectiveness of current measures being taken, examine the impact of air quality on communities and schools; understand community awareness of air quality impacts and consider the work being undertaken to improve air quality in other areas.

Councillor Ralph Berry (Labour, Wibsey) said: “We do need to build awareness among people who do not realise the harm pollution causes.”

He also highlighted problem buses.

“A lot of ours are older because we get the hand downs from Leeds.

Committee chairman Councillor Marin Love (Green, Shipley) added: “Many parents drive to schools to collect their children and get there early to get a parking space and then sit there for 20 minutes with the engine running. A lot do not realise the pollution they are causing.”

The committee recommended that the draft terms of reference be adopted.