Cumberland Council is celebrating the success of actions taken to improve public health by revoking three of Carlisle’s four remaining Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs).
This milestone follows confirmation from DEFRA that nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels in these areas have consistently met national standards, based on the council’s 2023 Air Quality data and 2024 annual report.
The AQMAs to be revoked are:
- B6264 Brampton Road at the junction with Stanwix Bank.
- Currock Street between James Street and Crown Street.
- Dalston Road at the junction with Junction Street.
Since their introduction in the early 1990s, these zones have tackled traffic-related pollution.
Thanks to cleaner vehicles, increased remote working, improved public transport, and more active travel, air quality has now significantly improved.
Cumberland Council’s commitment to clean air aligns with its priorities for residents’ wellbeing. Air pollution is a major health risk, linked to heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses.
Colin Cox, Cumberland Council’s Director of Public Health, Customer and Community Wellbeing, said: “This is a major step forward for the health of our communities. Cleaner air means healthier lives, and this milestone reflects years of hard work and collaboration. We’ll keep striving to improve air quality across Cumberland.”
Councillor Bob Kelly, Cumberland Councillor and Portfolio Holder for Environment and Planning, added: “Revoking these AQMAs shows the progress we’re making in creating a cleaner, greener Cumberland. While we celebrate this, we remain focused on further reducing pollution and safeguarding the health of our residents.”
The 2021 Air Quality Action Plan, updated in 2023, lays out the council’s strategy to maintain and improve air quality. Key actions include:
- Requiring air quality assessments for major developments.
- Promoting electric vehicle charging points in new homes.
- Expanding walking and cycling infrastructure.
- Upgrading traffic signals to cut congestion and emissions.
- Reviewing smoke control areas to reduce harmful emissions, paired with public education on clean fuel use.
While three AQMAs are being lifted, AQMA 4 - covering the northbound A595 at Bridge Street - remains.
This area has potential to exceed guidelines, but improvements to road networks and the completion of the Southern Link Development Road in late 2025/early 2026 aim to address this.
Cumberland Council will continue working with partners and stakeholders to enhance air quality and protect public health. This achievement is a testament to the council’s dedication to creating a healthier, more sustainable future for all.