AN on-line survey to seek people’s views on new proposals to reduce air pollution in Bradford has begun.

Bradford Council hopes to engage with residents, schools, businesses and community groups, to find out how air quality affects them, seek support for different proposals and measure awareness of actions that can help improve air quality.

Last year the Council was instructed by the Government to develop a plan which assesses a range of interventions to reduce pollution in the shortest possible time.

As well as consulting on the proposals for a Clean Air Zone, the council is also exploring support packages for businesses and residents to increase the adoption of ultra-low emission vehicles, raising awareness of air pollution and increasing awareness of actions that individuals can take.

These could include reducing private car use, and using more sustainable and active ways of travelling.

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Councillor Sarah Ferriby, portfolio holder for Healthy People and Healthy Places, said: “It is important we hear the opinions of people across the district, so we can work with businesses, communities and residents to find ways of improving the air quality.

“The Council is already working on improving the transport infrastructure and developing a strategic plan with the Government

“But air pollution is also everyone’s responsibility and we need to know how we can help people make better choices when it comes to air quality.”

Currently poor air quality is estimated to contribute to more than 40,000 premature deaths across the country each year, with emissions from vehicles estimated to cost £6bn annually to the NHS and society.

Research has shown that the phasing out of petrol and diesel vehicles would lead to a 30 per cent reduction in pollution in 2030, improving health, and potentially boosting the country’s economy by billions by making the UK a global leader in low-emission technology.

The public consultation will help shape the preparation of the Final Business Case, due for submission in early 2020.

Air pollution has been linked with breathing difficulties, babies being born with a low birth weight; can affect children’s lung development and may contribute to mental health issues. It is a significant risk factor in early deaths along with smoking, obesity and alcohol and drug use

The survey can be found at https://bradford.moderngov.co.uk/mgConsultationDisplay.aspx?ID=199 and should be completed by August 19.

Anyone over the age of 16, who lives in Bradford or who travels into the District, is invited to respond.

The survey should take a maximum of 15 minutes to complete and includes an opportunity to register for further information.

All information will be kept confidential and survey procedures will follow national GDPR (General Data Protection Registration) requirements.

Anyone who wishes to complete a paper survey or who requires a survey in braille should contact Thomas.atcheson@bradford.gov.uk.