Air quality
Overview
Historically pollution in towns and cities in this country was because of coal fires and heavy industry.
Nowadays, the main threat tends to be from high levels of road traffic and congestion.
The impact of air pollution on our health can include:
| Pollutant | Health effect |
| Nitrogen Dioxide | High levels cause inflammation to the airways of the lungs. Long term exposure can reduce lung function. Can enhance the effect of allergens in sensitive individuals. |
| Particulate Matter | Short and long term are associated with respiratory and cardiovascular illness. |
| Sulphur dioxide | Causes constriction of the airways of the lungs. |
| Carbon monoxide | Reduces the uptake of oxygen in the blood, this can lead to reduction of oxygen to the bodies tissues. |
| Ozone | High concentration can irritate the eyes and nose. Very high levels can cause inflammation to the airways of the lungs. |
Pollution also has implications on the area's natural environment and economy.
National Air Quality Strategy, national policy and legislation
The following key pieces of legislation and policies have been introduced in recent years.
National Air Quality Strategy
The government published its Clean Air Strategy in January 2019. The strategy sets out how the government will:
- protect the nation's health
- protect the environment
- secure clean growth and innovation
- reduce emissions from transport, homes, farming and industry
- monitor progress
The strategy seeks to strengthen, simplify and update the legislative framework that applies at a local level, in order to help reduce local concentrations of air pollution.
GOV.UK: Clean Air Strategy 2019
The Environment Act 2021
Following the UK's departure from the EU, the government introduced a new framework of environmental protection with the publication of the Environment Act 2021.
It included two national air quality targets:
- a 35% reduction in population exposure by 2040 (compared to a base year of 2018)
- a maximum annual mean concentration level of 10µg/m3 to be met across England by 2040
Environmental Improvement Plan 2023
A national Environmental Improvement Plan was published in January 2023. This builds on the Environment Act 2021 along with a previously introduced 25 Year Environment Plan.
The plan explains how the government will work with landowners, businesses and local communities to improve the environment along with targets to measure progress.
GOV.UK: Environmental Improvement Plan 2023
As a Council we are responsible for enforcing many of the laws set nationally.
What is the air quality like in South Tyneside
Whilst our latest assessment of air quality shows that South Tyneside is compliant with national air quality objectives, we cannot be complacent.
Monitoring of air quality in South Tyneside is regularly carried out.
In particular, we check levels of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide and make sure they do not exceed national and EU air quality limits and targets.
To do these tests we use monitoring stations and diffusion tubes which are located throughout the area.
Map of monitoring stations and diffusion tubes in South Tyneside
As well as closely reviewing these figures, we also use them to produce an annual status report which is then reviewed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
View the air quality reports:
What we are doing to improve air quality
The protection and improvement of the environment is a key priority for the Council and our partners.
1. We carry out air quality monitoring
We monitor levels of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide in South Tyneside.
We regularly check that they do not exceed national and EU air quality limits and targets.
If we feel that this may happen, we may create Air Quality Management Areas. We've done this in two areas successfully already.
2. We enforce air quality laws
We are responsible for making sure that laws to tackle air pollution are followed.
Most of South Tyneside is designated as a smoke control area, which means you can only burn authorised fuel, unless you use an 'exempt appliance'.
You must also make sure that you:
- limit how much smoke you release from a chimney
- be considerate to others if you're having a bonfire or burning waste
An environmental permit is required if you operate a business which carries out activities such as:
- burning fuels
- storing chemicals in bulk
- manufacturing certain materials
- incinerating or recovering waste
Substantial fines can be given if you do not comply.
3. We ensure new developments consider air quality
An air quality assessment is required for certain new developments if they meet the air quality criteria under the Tyneside Validation Requirements.
If the assessment indicates that the development would have a detrimental effect on air quality, then appropriate mitigation measures will be discussed with the developer.
4. We develop traffic projects aimed at reducing congestion
Recent projects have included:
- Lindisfarne and John Reid Road roundabouts (A194)
- Arches junction improvements (A185 / A194)
5. We promote sustainable travel
Electric car charging points
Electric vehicle charging points are available across South Tyneside, see electric car charging points.
Online journey planning
You can easily plan a journey in the area by foot, bicycle or public transport by using Traveline North East: Plan a journey.
Public transport
Discounted and multimodal tickets are often available for everyday journeys. You can contact individual operators for more information, or tickets are available for across Tyne and Wear from Nexus.
Cycling
There is a great network of cycling routes and cycle parking across South Tyneside. For more details see cycling in South Tyneside.
For more information, view our Local Air Quality Strategy and Action Plan.
Local Air Quality Strategy and Action Plan
Our Local Air Quality Strategy and Action Plan sets out clear aims how the Council, working with partners, will look to improve the air quality in South Tyneside.
This strategy will deliver a number of benefits. It will:
- emphasise the Council's role in delivering cleaner air
- help to tackle air quality in a holistic way
- help to build and strengthen partnerships with businesses, the community and external stakeholders
- build for the future by promoting economic regeneration that recognises air quality as a major consideration at an early stage
- highlight the reasons for tackling poor air quality, such as the links to health, quality of life and climate change
- raise the profile of air quality in South Tyneside
Contact Environmental Health
Please get in touch with the Environmental Health team if you have any queries or would like to report a business or someone who does not comply with the law.
The team can be contacted by phone or online.
To get in touch call 0191 427 7000 or email Environmental.HealthMailbox@southtyneside.gov.uk.