What is central government doing?
Action to improve air quality is driven by European Union law, which sets legally binding limits for major air pollutants. The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is responsible for ensuring that these limits are not exceeded in England. DEFRA published an Air Quality Strategy in 2011, and in 2017 published an action plan to reduce levels of roadside nitrogen dioxide:
What is local government doing?
The Environment Act of 1995 requires local authorities to assess and report annually on air quality in their area. The reports must assess whether the statutory health-based objectives are being met. Where the objectives are not being met a Local Authority has to produce an Air Quality Action Plan to improve local air quality.
View the Reports and Action Plans
Local Highway Authorities also produce Local Transport Plans, which set out local strategies and investment plans, including to improve walking, cycling and public transport.
West Sussex
Brighton and Hove
East Sussex
Sussex Air has produced guidance for developers on how to mitigate potential impacts from proposed local developments in Sussex.
