June 2019
Price: £95 PLUS VAT
Format: DOWNLOADABLE PDF
This conference discussed next steps for improving air quality in the UK, with sessions focusing on the implementation of and response to the Clean Air Strategy, reducing transport emissions and the impact of local initiatives.
The seminar followed the publication of the Clean Air Strategy - which outlines government priorities for reducing public exposure to particulate matter across all sources of air pollution - including transport, homes, industry and farming. Delegates considered the scope of the Strategy, and issues around setting guidance for industry and local stakeholders.
Sessions looked at the priorities for protecting young people and vulnerable groups, as part of setting the priorities for improving air quality and reducing long term exposure to emissions.
Delegates also examined data collection, sharing and utilisation - including how progress will be monitored and measured - and how the strategy might further develop.
With a raft of government policies and projects aiming to support decarbonisation, attendees discussed what more can be done to reduce emissions across the transport sector, including the role of low-carbon fuels and electric vehicles - taking into consideration developments across road networks, aviation and airports, and ports and shipping - as well as how the issues are being addressed at a devolved and local level.
It also brought out the latest thinking on what more can be done to support research and the development of innovative technology across the transport sector, to reduce emissions as it prepares for plans to end the sale of new conventional petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2040.
In light of the Offsetting Transport Emissions call for evidence announced in the Spring Statement, there was discussion on travel providers and whether carbon offsetting options should be available to customers, and how this might improve consumer understanding of emissions and the journeys they take.
Further sessions assessed what more needs to be done in air pollution hotspots to improve public transport links and facilitate low-carbon surface access transport, as well as key issues for local authorities, including the impact of Clean Air Zones and how charging zones will be designed and evaluated.
Following the review of interventions for reducing outdoor air pollution published by Public Health England, delegates looked at practical measures for local government in improving air quality - including the use of spatial planning to reduce transport network congestion, implementing vehicle-free environments, and supporting the development of active travel infrastructure and encourage behavioural change.
