Issue - meetings

The Board received a report and presentation on the Air Aware Staffordshire Project Phase 2, updating them on the recent successful funding bid to continue the project.

The project had received funding from Defra to continue until March 2022. The project would now move into Phase 2 which will focus engagement activities in three locations (Burton, Leek and Cannock) where Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) impact or are caused by transport to businesses and schools.

The Board was informed that £298,000 project funding is split across five elements of: Business Engagement; School Engagement; Electric Vehicle promotion; Communications and Monitoring stations.

The slides presented to the Board gave background on air pollution and each of the five elements listed above.

The Board was informed that next steps for the project, moving into 2022 included: an Anti-Idling campaign in March 2022, which is linked to the Make Staffordshire Sustainable Climate Change activities; an Active Travel month in May 2022, which would include activities on cycling and walking; a Clean Air Day in June 2022 and School, Business and EV engagement throughout the year.

The Board was assured that a detailed update on the progress of the project will be provided at the next Board meeting.

RESOLVED – That (a) the successful funding bid to continue the Air Aware Project be noted; and

(b) Note that a detailed update will be provided to the Board at their meeting on 3 March 2022.