A new monitoring station has been installed at Park Street, Bridgend, as part of measures to improve air quality in the area.
The automated air quality monitoring system has been installed in the grounds of the Quaker Meeting House in Park Street to provide real-time data that can be used to inform traffic control measures for specific periods.
In January 2019, the local authority officially implemented the county’s first Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) Order in Park Street after data showed nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels were above national air quality limit values. The levels are attributed to inconsistent traffic flows and vehicles queuing on the road.
Shared Regulatory Services (SRS) is producing an action plan to address air quality concerns for the Park Street AQMA on behalf of Bridgend County Borough Council. The plan contains a number of proposed measures that have been developed by the council’s air quality working group, including input from public drop-in sessions.
As part of the measures to improve air quality in the area, a new monitoring station has been installed at Park Street, Bridgend.
The automated air quality monitoring system has been installed in the grounds of the Quaker Meeting House in Park Street, providing real-time data for NO2 and particulate matter.
The data collected can be used to build a clearer understanding for pollutant trends, and to inform the effectiveness of any measure implemented to improve air quality in the area.
To ensure the correct measures are put in place that target inconsistent traffic flow and queuing concerns, the council has appointed external consultants to undertaken transport and air quality detailed assessments to illustrate any benefits for air quality levels.
The detailed assessments consider a package of measures which includes stopping access onto St Leonard’s Road, introducing a junction at the Heol-y-Nant turning, and improving the junction between Park Street, Angel Street and Tondu Road.
SRS, which provides air quality services for Bridgend County Borough Council, will input the findings from the detailed assessments into a final action plan, which is due to be completed in summer 2021, and will be released for public consultation.
Councillor Dhanisha Patel, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing and Future Generations, said: “The new monitoring station provides a thorough 24/7 understanding for air quality in the area as we look to make improvements for residents living within the AQMA.
“The station’s data is displayed on the Welsh Air Quality webpage which provides residents with a chance to view the data captured and see what it means.
“Many thanks to the Quakers for working with Bridgend County Borough Council and SRS to allow this station to be commissioned on their grounds.
“Detailed modelling is now taking place to consider the mitigation measures put forward and an action plan will soon be available, with residents being consulted for their views on it.”
