Air Quality Management Areas

The Council reviews air quality conditions on an annual basis, so that we can identify any changes and take action where we need to.

If our forecasting shows the air quality of an area may exceed national targets, an Air Quality Management Area is designated and improvements in air quality are introduced.

Throughout the UK, over 200 councils have created these designations.

In 2006, two areas of South Tyneside were declared as Air Quality Management Areas.

This is because observations showed that nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels at the time had the potential to exceed the national objective value.

This was at:

• Boldon Lane / Stanhope Road area in South Shields
• Lindisfarne roundabout / Leam Lane area of Jarrow

Following this announcement, we carried out close monitoring and additional testing.

We also introduced initiatives such as the Lindisfarne and Arches improvement schemes to help reduce road congestion nearby.

Since 2016 measurements of NO2 within both areas have consistently been at levels below national air quality targets.

Therefore, following public consultation, in January 2023 both areas would no longer be classed as being Air Quality Management Areas.