Help us make our air cleaner in Colchester – we want to hear from you.

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*Consultation ends midnight Sunday 22 December. Any queries email clean.air@colchester.gov.uk.

Why is it important to breathe clean air?

It is important for our health that the air we breathe is clean. Air pollution is particularly damaging to:

• children’s lungs as they are still growing
• unborn fetuses of pregnant women
• the elderly
• those with breathing or heart problems

How do we measure air pollution?

In the UK, air pollution is measured in μg/m³. We work to National standards, and if air pollution exceeds 40μg/m³ continuously as a mean annual average, an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) is declared, requiring an Action Plan to reduce pollution.

What areas don’t meet the National standards in Colchester?

Until 2023, much of the city center was an AQMA. However, due to improved air quality, the AQMA has been reduced to specific areas: the narrow end of Brook St, Mersea Road at St Botolphs roundabout, and Osborne & St Johns Street.

What causes the air pollution in Colchester?

In Colchester, the primary source of pollution is from vehicle exhausts and in the city centre the narrow streets with buildings close together means the pollutants become trapped (and can’t disperse into the surrounding air). That’s why it’s important to encourage people to choose less polluting and healthier travel options.

What is Colchester City Council doing to improve the air we breathe?

The Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) requires Colchester City Council to have an action plan to tackle air pollution. This plan encourages residents and businesses to choose alternative transportation methods, promoting walking, cycling, and public transport. Many projects are community-driven or community-supported.

What feedback would you like from me?

Colchester City Council seeks your views on the importance of clean air, thoughts on the current action plan, and ideas for future projects. The World Health Organisation guidance recommends air pollution levels be no more than 10ug/m³ to reduce health risks. Would you continue to support further air quality improvements after we have met the National standards

Air Quality Management Areas in Colchester

Brook Street

Mersea Road

St Johns - Osborne Street

Our Action Plan

This is our current action plan, which will be delivered over the next few years. It includes projects that already have funding or have funding identified.

Defra Defined Theme: Promoting Travel Alternatives

We will promote and support transport choices that have less impact on the air we breathe and benefit our health.

Area	Actions
Work with Businesses	Host Colchester Travel Plan Club to support active travel for the journey to work Develop a free Business eLearning module Dedicated Active Travel officer to engage with city centre businesses
Work with Schools	Promote the Take Care of Your Air toolkit through assemblies and workshops Bikeability Boost program to support children in cycling more
Work with the Community	New Cycle Colchester website to support and encourage cycling New cycling map Attend community events to promote and support active travel Wayfinding for easy navigation on foot and bike with points of interest
Bike Safety and Security	City centre secure bike park BikeWise campaign to prevent bike theft Free adult cycle training “Look out for each other” campaign
Work with Essex County Council and Public Transport Operators	Promote bus use and improve reliability and frequency of services

Defra Defined Theme: Alternatives to Private Vehicle Use

We will expand transport choices that are healthier and have less impact on the air we breathe for personal, business, and delivery travel.

Alternative Transport Options

Pay As You Go access to electric cars, bikes, and cargo bikes Try Before You Buy hire service for eBikes and eCargo bikes Essex Pedal Power - free bikes for qualifying residents in Greenstead Support City to Home eCargo bike delivery service & micro distribution hub

Defra Defined Theme: Public Information

We will raise awareness of air pollution and reduce the impact of motor vehicles.

Public Awareness Initiatives

Permanent No Idling signage in Brook St and Eastgates CAReless Pollution no-idling toolkits for residents and businesses AirText alerts for high-pollution days in collaboration with Health Partners

Defra Defined Theme: Transport Planning and Infrastructure

We will optimize space usage to support transport that improves air quality and promotes healthier choices.

Infrastructure Projects

Regeneration of St Botolphs’ Circus including roundabout remodeling to improve safety and connectivity for all types of transport Rapid Transport System by Essex County Council providing a fast frequent bus service on dedicated lanes/priority routes between the A12, city centre, university of Essex and the new Garden Community on the Colchester/Tendring border  Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) by Essex County Council to improve walking and cycling routes

Defra Defined Theme: Traffic Management

We will ensure strategies support a transport environment that provides diverse choices.

Traffic Management Initiatives

Future Transport Strategy – Essex County Council Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy – Essex County Council Positive Parking strategy – Colchester City Council Active Travel SPD – Colchester City Council

Defra Defined Theme: Vehicle Fleet Efficiency

We will reduce the air pollution impact of fleet vehicles.

Fleet Efficiency Improvements

Work with Essex County Council and bus operators to reduce bus emissions Deliver Colchester Council’s own plans to reduce fleet vehicle impact as part of Climate Action Plan commitments

We also want to plan for the future and hear your ideas on areas to focus on, including expanding secure bike parking, improving integrated transport systems, and reducing speeds to encourage safe walking and cycling.