Air Quality SPD

(2)2 Local Air Quality

Warwick District Council has designated five air quality management areas (AQMA) due to elevated annual average concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The AQMAs include Warwick Town Centre, Coventry Road (Warwick), Leamington Spa and two AQMAs in Kenilworth. These AQMAs are shown in Maps 1 to 5 respectively.

Further information on air quality in Warwick district, including air quality monitoring data, can be found in our latest Annual Status Report. A copy of our current Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) can also be found on the Council website.¹

Map 1 – Warwick Town Centre Air Quality Management Area (AQMA)

Map 2 – Coventry Road Air Quality Management Area (AQMA)

Map 3 – Leamington Spa Air Quality Management Area (AQMA)

Map 4 – Warwick Road, Kenilworth Air Quality Management Area (AQMA)

Map 5 – New Street, Kenilworth Air Quality Management Area (AQMA)

While levels of particulate matter (PM₁₀) in the district do not breach Air Quality Objectives it is acknowledged that fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) levels have a significant impact on health across the district and reductions in concentrations below EU Limit Value levels will still bring significant health benefits to the local population. The equivalent of around 1 in 20 deaths are estimated to be attributed to PM_2.5 concentrations accounting for 64 deaths (over 25s) and 694 associated life-years lost in 2010^[1].

For the purpose of improving air quality and health impacts in Warwick district this guidance is concerned with achieving and maintaining compliance with Air Quality Objectives and with improving air quality further, particularly with respect to particulate concentrations.