The Air Care Journeys project is a new Defra-funded project 2023-2025 working with all age groups at different educational providers, Primary Care Networks and community groups in Bedford Borough which fall within or close to our Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). Air monitoring in this area has indicated locations that exceed the Air Quality Objectives for England set by Defra, which led to the creation of Bedford’s AQMA.
The project will focus on five wards within the Borough that either have areas within the AQMA or border the area. These are:
See a map of our AQMA (PDF).
The project aligns with Defra’s Clean Air Strategy by:
One aim is to reduce transport related emissions. To do this we will engage with education providers and community settings/groups to increase knowledge around air pollution, how to reduce exposure and the impact. We want to encourage our communities to choose more sustainable means of transport such as walking, scooting or cycling and using public transport? rather than use the car.
We are also committed to ensuring the families, staff and pupils who travel to educational sites within these areas aren’t exposed to high levels of nitrogen dioxide, especially around the school gate where the problem is exacerbated by idling vehicles.
Email AirCareJourneys@bedford.gov.uk for more information on the Air Care Journeys project in Bedford Borough.
Air pollution has been deemed one of the greatest environmental risks to the health of the public in the UK. Poor air quality can cause, but also exacerbate, cardiovascular and respiratory disease, and is associated with lung cancer.
It is estimated that long term chronic exposure to man-made air pollution reduces life expectancy. Both short term and long term exposure to air pollutants can impact on health, with differing effects across the life-course.
Very young children, older adults and people from more deprived backgrounds are most vulnerable to the health consequences of air pollution, contributing to health and social inequalities.
We are encouraging residents to be part of the solution not the pollution.
Think about walking or cycling instead. ‘The Department for Transport reported that in 2016, 67% of the usual mode of travel to work was by car or van. If the journey is less than a mile, walking or cycling are preferable, especially as active travel has the additional benefits of improving physical and mental health and quality of life.’
Could you join a car share scheme for work travel or work from home?
Our recycled free bike scheme offers residents living in the 5 AQMA areas free bikes. For more information, please contact AirCareJourneys@bedford.gov.uk
Did you know there is a free bike shelter in Bedford town centre where you can safely store your bike and able to book your bike via a smart phone. For more information please contact CustomerServices@bedford.gov.uk.
See also:
You can even get rewarded for your walks via Street Tag.
Greater use of public transport means there are fewer cars on the road. Walking, riding, or taking public transport, whilst avoiding heavily congested areas, can all help to improve health and lower exposure.
If using a car for transport is necessary then consider driving economically, such as accelerating gently, adhering to speed limits, checking tyre pressure and ensure stop-start technology is switched on.
You could use 10% less fuel by following the tips on the AA website.
An idling vehicle is one that has its engine running without moving anywhere.
At home, avoid using wood burning stoves and open fires (If it is essential, only burn dry, well-seasoned or ‘Ready-to-Burn’ labelled wood, or smokeless fuel).
Do not burn household and garden waste: take it to the tip instead. See Open fires and wood burning stoves - a practical guide (PDF).
Long term, take into consideration lower emission vehicles, solar panels for the home, and renewing home heating systems.
Talk to your friends and family about air pollution, just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not affecting us all.
Inform your children – they are the future!
In an experiment to test pollution levels, four people took the same journey using different modes of transport on a busy route and two people on a quieter route.
This is because fumes from vehicles in front and behind get trapped and cannot disperse inside a vehicle. Being outside means the fumes disperse into the atmosphere and not into your lungs.