Derby residents are being asked to share their views on plans to make the city cleaner and protect people’s health by reducing air pollution.
The draft version of the city council’s Air Quality Action Plan 2026-31 features proposals around public transport, walking and cycling, transport improvements, domestic heating, development planning and council vehicles.
Air quality in the city is generally rated good and complies with the legal limits set by the UK Government, but there is still potential to improve further in line with DEFRA guidance and the World Health Organisation’s Global Air Quality Guidelines, as well as to improve public health.
We have worked with the community, businesses, stakeholders and other local authorities to draw up our proposals. Key targets include reducing diesel emissions through sustainable transport and active travel schemes.
This action plan will replace the previous one which ran from 2019-25 and resulted in new measures around awareness raising, walking and cycling infrastructure, roadside pollution monitoring, and improvements to the city’s bus and rail stations.
Councillor Shiraz Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing, Strategic Planning and Regulatory Services, said:
Actions taken under the last Action Plan have already improved Derby’s air quality and we are determined to build on that success for the benefit of everyone living and working in the city.
I would encourage everyone to take a look at our proposals and have their say, to help us align our plans with people’s priorities.
Air pollution is linked with a number of negative health impacts, including contributing to the onset of heart disease and cancer. It particularly affects the most vulnerable in society – children and older people and those with heart and lung conditions.
To view and comment on the proposals, please visit letstalk.derby.gov.uk. The consultation closes at 1pm on 24 December.