Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Air Quality: Luton Road, Dunstable

27 June 2023 · 0 other contributors

Opened by Andrew Selous Con South West Bedfordshire

TransportEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Andrew Selous raised concerns about air quality: luton road, dunstable in the House of Commons. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • MP highlighted the increase in HGV traffic on Luton Road due to the Woodside Link road project, worsening air quality.
  • The MP presented evidence that the primary objective of reducing HGVs within the AQMA was not met, raising concerns about local government transparency.
  • The Minister acknowledged the MP's concerns and highlighted national efforts to reduce major pollutants and set new targets for PM2.5 reduction by 2040.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Andrew Selous Con South West Bedfordshire

The MP highlighted the importance of clean air and discussed a local issue concerning the Woodside Link road project, which was intended to reduce traffic and particularly heavy goods vehicles in Dunstable's AQMA. However, contrary to expectations, this road has led to an increase in HGVs on Luton Road, thereby worsening air quality for residents there. He presented evidence from various documents indicating that the primary objective of reducing HGVs within the AQMA was not met and raised concerns about transparency and accountability in local government decisions. The MP emphasised the need for Central Government oversight to ensure funds are used as originally intended.

Government Response

Trudy Harrison

The Minister acknowledged the concerns raised by Andrew Selous regarding air quality in Dunstable and the Woodside Link road project. She highlighted significant reductions in major pollutants since 2010, setting new targets for PM2.5 reduction to be met by 2040, and emphasised the government's commitment to improving air quality through various measures detailed in their environmental improvement plan. The Minister also addressed the specific case of Luton Road, where she stated that nitrogen dioxide levels have been compliant with objectives since 2018 but there is no monitor for PM2.5 on Luton Road. She offered to meet with Selous and Transport Ministers to further discuss potential solutions.

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