Clean Air Day in North Northants
Climate15 June 2023
North Northamptonshire Council is proud to support Clean Air Day on Thursday 15 June.
This national event focuses on raising awareness about the importance of clean air and encourages individuals, communities and organisations to take action towards improving air quality.
Clean Air Day highlights the way we can all work together to clean up our air - something which has been shown to have benefits for our physical health and environment but can also protect our mental and brain health.
North Northamptonshire Council takes its responsibility of reducing emissions in the local area seriously, and we take care to ensure our impact on the environment is as little as possible, whilst monitoring nitrogen dioxide air pollution across the area.
Actions taken to reduce carbon emissions can also assist to improve local air quality. Since committing to be carbon neutral in July 2021, Officers have been working on various initiatives and the council’s Carbon Management Plan was approved in December 2022.
Initiatives currently being undertaken by NNC include the Voi e-scooter and e-bike hire scheme and the introduction of Starship Delivery robots in Wellingborough, Rushden and Higham Ferrers.
The Council have enabled the installation of on-street charging points at 12 locations across 6 towns as well as in some of its car parks. Further work is planned with an additional 18 locations scheduled to go ahead this year. Development of a strategy is underway which will set out plans for a step-change in charging infrastructure to keep pace with expected growth in EV ownership.
The Council is also developing plans for improved walking and cycling facilities in our towns. Consultation has recently taken place on a Local Cycling and Walking Improvement Plan for Kettering, with similar plans for Corby and Wellingborough following over the coming months.
But it is also about everyone working together and NNC are encouraging residents to get involved by learning more about the impact air pollution can have on our mental and physical health and taking manageable steps to help improve air quality.
Clean Air Day highlights the changes we can all make to improve the quality of the air we breathe, which as well as having benefits to the environment has been shown to improve mental and physical health.Cllr Harriet Pentland, the council’s Executive Member for Climate and Green Environment
We understand that we have a direct responsibility to address climate change, and we know that each small change we make adds up. Everyone within the council is working to help improve air quality and achieve carbon neutrality, from personal steps like how they travel to work through to wider actions, such as factoring in carbon and air pollution reduction into service planning.
As a Council, we are proud to support this initiative and invite everyone to join us in creating a healthier and more sustainable environment.Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council
Today, why not leave your car at home and explore alternative modes of transport. Consider walking, cycling or even trying out one of our Voi e-scooters. These options not only reduce air pollution, but also promote a healthier lifestyle.
Voi are offering free 30 minutes of free travel by e-scooters to users across the UK with code CLEANAIRDAY23 (valid from Clean Air Day, 15 June, until 30 June). Also, central Government’s £2 bus fare cap scheme has been extended until October 2023.
More information about Clean Air Day.
NNC’s Carbon Management Plan