Road network plans in areas on and near Junction 7 and Junction 8 of the Ring Road are being outlined to Coventry residents over the coming weeks.
The schemes are to meet national government targets to reduce Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) emissions from traffic.
The problem of NO2 emissions is a major concern across the UK, and towns and cities across the country are either introducing Clean Air Zones – where people are charged to travel through an area/s – or making changes to the road network to manage the flow of traffic.
Air pollution is having a harmful impact on the health of people living, working and studying in Coventry.
The Council and Government advisers say the schemes will aim to:
- reduce harmful nitrogen dioxide pollution levels to within national limits;
- balance traffic flow along alternative routes in order to reduce traffic congestion;
- improve the street scene particularly at Junction 7 to provide an attractive gateway from Spon End into the city centre;
- and improve cycling and walking facilities.
Coun Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change, said: “We have been told by the Government to reduce NO2 levels, especially on Holyhead Road where the levels are the highest in the city.
“If we cannot bring levels down the government will force us to introduce a clean air charging zone, which means motorists will have to pay to drive in some areas of the city.
“We have argued against these zones because they would have unfairly disadvantage people with charges of up to £12 per day for a non-compliant vehicle being imposed.
“The Coundon Cycleway is already being developed, and on Junction 7 of the Ring Road, we are proposing to remove the roundabout and Moat Street Car Park and provide direct walking and cycling routes with toucan crossings to make it easier for people to cross the junction.”
The package of measures is outlined in a Street News leaflet that is being delivered to hundreds of households that live nearby where the road improvements are planned.
The whole scheme is being funded from the Air Quality Implementation Fund Grant, supplemented by the Transforming Cities Fund, both awarded to the Council by Central Government.
The Council is keen to talk to residents about the proposals and has arranged a number of drop-in sessions where people can speak to traffic and highways officers and ask any questions they may have.
Visit https://letstalk.coventry.gov.uk/improvingaq to find out more.
