It is for local authorities, rather than central Government, to decide whether to implement such zones in order to improve local air quality. We have received approximately 80 responses to the consultation draft of the Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland which we published on 25 August. A list of responses will also be placed in the House Libraries when the final version of the Strategy is published in January next year. A summary of the responses will also be made available in January on the Department's Website. The objectives proposed in the draft Air Quality Strategy have also been discussed at meetings of the Air Quality Forum, at which the AA, SMMT and the Freight Transport Association were present.
Road transport is one of the major sources of air pollution, especially in our towns and cities.
However, we have made clear within the Strategy and in our guidance to local authorities that the relative contribution of transport, and all other sectors, to the achievement of meeting the new air quality objectives has to be cost effective and proportionate. The legislative proposals to provide better protection for SSSIs will benefit all sites, including those notified for their peatland interests. In addition, the best examples of those peatland sites will be designated under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives and Ramsar Convention, affording them additional protection. We will consider the commercial production of peat alternatives in the light of the findings of the Peat Working Group, which will be publishing its report shortly. To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to introduce the system of commonhold for leaseholders in blocks of flats.