Councillors turn up heat in Exeter pollution debate

We all care passionately about air quality'

Vital statistics on air pollution in Exeter have been ‘kicked into the long grass’, it has been claimed.

The city’s Green councillors called for clear information to be published online about air pollution levels on specific roads and the health impacts for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

Cllr Lynn Wetenhall (Green, Newtown and St Leonards) told a full council meeting that publishing the latest figures would help people avoid the most polluted roads.

But councillors decided instead to defer a decision and discuss the figures at a scrutiny committee meeting next month, when they said more expert input would be available.

“Kicking this into the long grass serves no purpose,” said Cllr Andy Ketchin (Green, Newton and St Leonards).

Cllr Wetenhall said figures from nine out of 10 monitoring stations in the city failed to meet World Health Organisation guidelines, and Devon’s director of public health had already raised concerns.

Roads such as Honiton Road and Alphington Street had very high levels of nitrogen dioxide, and pollution problems were also coming from woodburning stoves and open fires in homes across the city.

Councillor Wetenhall said: “People deserve to have clear and accurate information about the risks posed by high levels of air pollution when walking, cycling or driving on roads in Exeter.

“The council narrative that there isn’t a real problem with air pollution is misleading.”

The motion sparked a long and sometimes heated debate, with some councillors being accused of ‘grandstanding’.

Cllr Tammy Palmer (Lib Dem, Duryard and St James) told the meeting: “This can’t wait. Children can’t wait.

“There are so many health inequalities around air pollution. I have no idea why you want to defer this?”

Cllr Tess Read (Green, St Davids) said: “If we defer this, we do not give transparency to the public.” And Cllr Diana Moore (Green, St Davids) added: “We can do this right now. The best time to start communicating information to people is today.”

But Cllr Duncan Wood (Lab, Pinhoe) replied: “This is an incredibly important subject and we all feel passionately about it. This is not kicking it into the long grass.”

And Cllr Ruth Williams (Lab, Mincinglake and Whipton) pledged: “We are all passionate about air quality. I will make sure we get the best outcome for the people of Exeter.”