Air Quality Action Plan for Sandy consultation

Consultation closes: Tuesday 12 August 2025
Consultation opened: Thursday 17 July 2025

A table outlining the air quality action plan measures planned can be viewed on page 27, table 5.1 of the draft plan (PDF).

Here is a summary of the 17 planned measures across Central Bedfordshire.

Measures and progress to date

Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4)

We're currently refreshing our Local Transport Plan (LTP4), which will outline priorities for investment in highway improvement schemes. Sustainability in transport is a key focus, and air quality, particularly in relation to air quality management areas (AQMAs), will be a core consideration in the overarching strategy. While LTP4 is still being drafted and specific details are not yet available, any proposed schemes that could impact air quality in the Sandy AQMA will be carefully assessed.

Several supporting documents will also address air quality, including the completed local cycling and walking infrastructure plans (LCWIPs) and the Freight Strategy.

Freight Strategy 2024

Implementation of the Freight Strategy (2024) which reflects changes to national and local policies related to freight.

Local Plan

The current Local Plan was adopted in 2021 and contains several references to air quality, action plans and air quality management areas. The Local Plan which sets out a vision and framework for the future development of the area identifies the need to ensure that all new developments must have regard to current national guidance, as well as our Design Guide, Air Quality & Emissions Planning Guidance (V2 – 2022) and AQAPs in terms of pollution (which included matters relating to airborne pollution).

Develop electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure

8 charging points (7kW) exist in the Sandy High Street car park with plans to install an additional 4 50kW charging points. We've secured government grant funding to install EV charge points in off-street car parks and residential areas.

LCWIP for Sandy – cycling infrastructure

Implement the adopted LCWIPs which set out the planned approach to improving and expanding walking and cycling networks. Over half of the planned cycle network in Sandy will be off-road, while the on-road sections will primarily use residential streets with low traffic speeds and volumes, or will be engineered to ensure safe cycling conditions.

LCWIP for Sandy – walking infrastructure

 Implement the adopted LCWIPs which set out the planned approach to improving and expanding walking and cycling networks. Our aim is to remove barriers to movement and improve comfort, safety and convenience with a focus on locations where pedestrians come into contact with other roads users, for example at road crossings.

Encourage the use of public transport

We've published our sustainability plan and Bus Service Improvement Plan highlighting significant enhancements to local bus services. As part of the Enhanced Partnership Scheme 1 (Variation No. 2 – March 2024), there have been infrastructure upgrades, real-time information expansion, and measures to boost bus reliability and priority.

Securing developer contributions (S106, EV, Travel Plans, etc.)

Public Protection is consulted on relevant planning applications and provides comments on air quality impacts. An Air Quality and Emissions Planning Guidance document (PDF) has been published.

Workplace travel plans

Preparation of a travel plan may assist in obtaining planning permission. New developments are encouraged to register with Modeshift STARS, a national award scheme in the UK that promotes active travel and supports organisations in creating effective travel plans. Active Travel England is now a statutory consultee for major applications.

School travel plans and initiatives

Three schools in Sandy have travel plans and two schools take part in “Walk to School Week”. Three schools participate in “Big Walk and Wheel, two in the “Santa Challenge” and 3 in Dr. Bikes. Three schools are registered or accredited with Modeshift.

Bikeability helps promote active travel by encouraging safe cycling

Four schools in Sandy currently participate in the Bikeability scheme.

School Streets

Interest has been shown by a school in Sandy for a School Streets scheme.

Monitor nitrogen dioxide in Sandy

We operate a well-established nitrogen dioxide diffusion tube network with long-term trend data, regularly reviewed and updated. Sandy has 13 monitoring sites both within and outside the AQMA, and plans are in place to install a low-cost monitor near the AQMA to track nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5). All monitoring data, including from Sandy, is reported to Defra through Annual Status Reports (ASRs).

Increase awareness of air quality alert system

Campaign to publicise the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Air Pollution Alert System, a free subscription service that notifies users in the region when air pollution levels are forecast or measured to be moderate, high, or very high, based on the UK's Air Quality Banding System.

Reduce emissions from our fleet

We've invested in sustainable transportation to reduce our carbon footprint. This includes acquiring electric vehicles (EVs), promoting an EV leasing scheme for employees, ensuring all non-EVs meet the Euro 6 emissions standard, and providing secure bike storage. Additionally, the promotion of remote working has further contributed to reducing vehicle emissions.

Environmental permitting

We actively manage emissions from permitted sources across the district, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. In Sandy, there are 5 such premises holding an Environmental Permit (Part B) all of which are regularly inspected and currently adhere to their permit conditions. One is partially within the air quality management area (AQMA), with the remaining four situated at a sufficient distance to not significantly impact its air quality.

Emissions policy for taxis

An emissions policy to be drafted in 2025 for introduction in 2026. The aim of the policy is to enable a stepped reduction in permitted emissions over several years.