It's important people have instant access to the most up to date information on air quality as quickly as possible. It will mean vulnerable people can better assess the impact of current air pollution on their health, and when pollution levels are high, everyone needs to play their part by considering what action they can take to reduce pollution. We believe our proposals for air pollution information make the present system more customer friendly, easier to understand and quicker to use. I welcome comments from all with an interest in improving environmental information, in particularly those who make day to day use of the air pollution information service. I am also delighted to be able to launch the local air quality management web site which will be live from tomorrow.
Local authorities have a key role to play in delivering cleaner air.
This web site will allow the public and other local stakeholders to see at a glance how their local authority is performing, and whether or not it has designated any air quality management areas. The Government's headline indicators of sustainable development are a 'quality of life barometer' measuring everyday concerns like housing development, health, jobs, air quality, educational achievement, wildlife and economic prosperity. The Standards represent defined levels which avoid significant risks to health. As levels increase above the Standard, the likelihood of effects on health increases. For example, levels of ozone in the 'high' band may cause coughing and discomfort on deep breathing during exercise in some people.