BACKGROUND:-  Area of the Borough 30,869 Hectares 76,297 Acres Population of the Borough - 206,856 Population Estimate (April 2000) 209,540 Area of the New City 8,851 Hectares 21,870 Acres Population of the New City (April 2000) 172,480 Population outside the New City (April 2000) 37,060 Births (1999 - ONS VS1) 2,933 Deaths (1999 - ONS VS1) 1,506 Number of Electors (February 2000) 151,250 Dwellings in the Borough (April 2000) 86,159 Dwellings in the New City (April 2000) 71,468 Number of Wards 24 Number of Parishes 35 Number of Neighbourhood Councils 8 Twin Towns Bernkastel - Wittlich, Germany The Review and Assessment of Air Quality in Milton Keynes The Stage 1 Review and Assessment was completed in 1998 and indicated that there was a likelihood that the levels of nitrogen dioxide and particulates in Milton Keynes would exceed the 2005 targets for Air Quality As the Stage 1 Review and Assessment indicated exceedances of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter a combined Stage 2/3 Review and Assessment was undertaken and completed in December 2000 and forwarded to the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. Confirmation was received in February 2001 that the conclusions and recommendations contained in the Stage 2/3 Report were agreed by the DETR's advisors and the statutory public consultation process involving all Milton Keynes Council Members, Parish and Neighbourhood Councils, local businesses and the community. Findings of the Review and Assessment · Current levels of nitrogen dioxide exceed the annual air quality objective of 40ug/m3 in the vicinity of the M1 motorway and along smaller sections of the A5 dual carriageway. · Even though these levels are predicted to drop significantly, primarily due to improved engine technology it is projected that the annual average level of nitrogen dioxide in the area of the M1 still exceed the objective in 2005, but only marginally. Therefore as the projected region of exceedance does not include any residential properties it is not proposed to designate an Air Quality Management Area at this time. · It is recommended that the monitoring programme is to continue and be expanded to gather more measurements close to the M1 motorway. Mobile air quality monitoring stations are currently sited at Wolverton Road and Burgess Gardens, Newport Pagnell. · Carbon monoxide and particulates concentration levels are expected to be well below the relevant air quality objectives. · The objectives for the remaining pollutants, benzene, 1,3-butadiene, lead and sulphur dioxide are currently being met and downward pollution trends indicate further improvements in the future concentrations of these pollutants will be made. · Measured and modelled studies in Olney have indicated the presence of a small "street canyon" effect in High Street South, that has produced some results of up to 20% higher than the rest of the town. Modelling predictions indicate that all prescribed pollutant objectives are currently being achieved and should still do so by the relevant objective date, however the DETR has advised that further monitoring in the Olney area is desirable. Conclusions Air Quality in Milton Keynes is in generally good, with the primary source of air pollutants being road traffic. Current monitoring arrangements need to be continued along with proactive traffic management schemes and improvements to public transport in order to ensure that this remains the case, statutory obligations are met and pollution levels continue to be reduced. Account will be taken of any legislative changes, new guidance or research in this process. However, the continued collection and analysis of air quality data in vital to ensure that Milton Keynes Council can effectively meet its statutory obligations For further information contact: David Parish David.Parrish@Milton-Keynes.gov.uk