WHILST the air quality in many roads across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is higher than levels set by the World Health Organisation, local authorities in England are required to assess compliance against Air Quality Objectives, which are legal limits.

Each year, BCP Council must monitor the nitrogen dioxide levels in the conurbation and report it to The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in an annual report.

The report for 2020 shows the air pollution concentrations across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole shows levels are down.

Read more: Revealed: the roads in BCP where air pollution exceeds limits

Much of 2020 was spent in lockdown, when people were told to stay at home and only make “essential journeys” out of the house. The report for 2021’s air pollution is currently being drafted.

In a bid to reduce air pollution, BCP Council will publish new guidance in a plan based on the Department for Transport in October this year.

A spokesperson for BCP Council said: “BCP Council awaits the content of this guidance and new requirements for appraisal of full carbon impacts of transport schemes to ensure that the next plan is compliant.

“The council is currently utilising a range of innovative tools and technology to gather data that will ensure the next LTP is up to date with current best practice and derived from a robust evidence base.”

The council also received an £8.9million award which, working with the bus companies, will be used to make bus journeys a more attractive choice, delivering faster journeys with improved waiting times.

As a result, fewer cars will be on the road which will reduce emissions and improve air quality.

The spokesperson for the council added it is “committed to providing sustainable alternative ways of getting to and around the area, especially at peak tourist times.

“Park and Ride services from Kings Park to Boscombe Pier were successful last year.

“There is the Plus Bus ticket which enables people to buy a combined train and bus ticket so that they can leave the car at home and get to the BCP Council area from outside and then around the BCP Council area once here.”

We contacted councillor Mike Greene, portfolio holder for sustainability and transport, but he declined to comment.