Henley air quality campaign (HAQ)
Henley is arguably one of the most pleasant towns in the country. The rolling River Thames, the Chilterns back drop, the attractive Market Place and the high level of independent retail outlets make it a joy to live in and to visit.
But there is a growing problem that needs attention now. Increased traffic congestion in the town is leading to increasing levels of air pollution, in particular elevated levels of nitrogen dioxide.
With road traffic levels expected to increase in Oxfordshire by 25% in the next two decades, air quality will remain a very important issue. That is why it is being tackled now through a partnership between Oxfordshire County Council, South Oxfordshire District Council and Henley Town Council.
This site is devoted to explaining what the problem is, what is being done about it, and most importantly of all, how you can do something to help
Making positive choices with small changes to your lifestyle – such as walking instead of driving short distances to work or to your children’s school – will impact favourably on air quality and on your own health and wealth, as we will demonstrate in these pages.
Air pollution is not a new problem. Thankfully we no longer suffer the thick smog from factory chimneys and coal fires. Today, however, we face new issues in keeping the air we breathe clean.
In 1997 a new UK National Air Quality Strategy was introduced to set air quality standards and guidelines for levels of pollution in our towns and cities.
The strategy sets out target levels for seven key pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide.
South Oxfordshire District Council has monitored pollution levels in Henley since 1997 and although levels are well within safe limits for short-term exposure they are in some places now exceeding the target level set in relation to residents living in the area.
Useful links
©2008 Henley air quality campaign -
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