Lincoln’s air quality brought down to safe levels - report

The level of harmful pollutants in Lincoln’s air has successfully been brought down to safe levels.

An air quality management area has been in place around the city centre since 2001 due to high levels of nitrogen dioxide, which is emitted by road traffic.

It covers the city centre’s main traffic-heavy routes, including Broadgate, Brayford Way and Newland.

There has been a noticeable decrease in nitrogen dioxide levels in recent years, which could be due to the new Eastern Bypass taking more traffic.

Cleaner vehicle technology and support for public transport may have also played a role.

Every part of Lincoln has been meeting national standards since 2019, according to a report by the City of Lincoln Council.

The local authority is now looking to revoke the zone, saying levels haven’t been near the danger zone for some time.

High levels of NO2 in the air have been shown to cause respiratory problems and even lung disease.

A meeting of the Executive committee will discuss removing the zone next week (December 9).

A report says: “In terms of what has led to the improvement, it is likely to be due to a combination of actions at a local, regional and national level.

“In particular, the opening of the Lincoln Eastern Bypass appears to have had a significant beneficial impact along Canwick Road and Broadgate.

“The development of the Transport Hub and the introduction of the East-West Link Road are also likely to have made positive contributions to improvements in air quality.”

The council will now put in place a new strategy to ensure the air remains clean.