THERE is still time for people in Camelford to share their views on a draft action plan to improve air quality in the town.

Cornwall Council’s two-month consultation ends on Monday, April 2.

Anyone can comment on the options the council is investigating to improve local air quality via an online survey at www.cornwall.gov.uk/camelfordairquality, by emailing [email protected] or posting their comments to the council.

The draft action can also be viewed online.

The draft action plan is an important step towards opening up funding opportunities for measures that could help to improve the town’s air quality.

Councils are required to monitor air quality in their area against national targets and to declare areas with poor air quality as Air Quality Management Areas.

Cornwall Council declared Camelford an Air Quality Management Area in 2017 after long term monitoring found that the Fore Street and High Street areas of the town have excessive levels of traffic related nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

The A39 is the main contributor to air pollution in Camelford, with private diesel cars contributing around 32% of the pollution, diesel light goods vehicles contributing 24% and large vehicles such as HGVs contributing 16%.

The remaining pollution comes from other types of road traffic.

Rob Rotchell, Cornwall Councillor for Camelford, and also the town’s mayor, said: “Lots of residents came to our drop in session to talk about the 14 options the council is currently looking at and to share ideas of their own. You can still comment online until April 2, so please take this opportunity to have your say on this important issue for Camelford. I’m continuing to work with partners towards the ultimate solution for Camelford, which would be a bypass.”

Sue James, Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for environment and public protection, said: “After the consultation is closed, the council will consider all comments and suggestions before publishing the final Camelford Air Quality Action Plan. The Camelford plan will become part of our Clean Air for Cornwall Strategy, which also includes countywide measures for improving air quality.

“Improving air quality is a long-term process and for the plan to be a success we will all need to do our bit. Small changes like walking or cycling shorter journeys or turning your engine off when stuck in traffic can add up to a big difference.”

Some of the projects and policies that Cornwall Council has introduced as part of its Clean Air for Cornwall Strategy include minimising emissions from bus and works vehicle fleets, requiring electric vehicle charging points in new homes, introducing car clubs, promoting walking and cycling, improving public transport, setting emission standards for taxis, working with employers and schools to develop travel plans, and promoting mixed use development in areas close to public transport and facilities.