Mat Kiely, Transportation Services Strategy Lead, presented the report that focused on the scope work for the Air Quality Modelling and a refreshed Air Quality and Health Strategy which would be progressed over the coming year.

Councillor Worrall stated that residents were being encouraged to use electric vehicles but questioned the number of electric vehicle charging points available in the borough, particularly around new housing developments. Mat Kiely stated the electronic vehicle charging points provision would need to be addressed as part of the Air Quality Strategy and the Local Plan would identify the need and delivery of these points and the housing allocation would also be addressed as part of this process. As part of the processes of the tender exercise would be to deliver these provisions.

Councillor Worrall touched on the tree planting strategy and questioned why the area in Montreal Road in Tilbury still remained an area of tarmac and trees had not been planted as promised. Mat Kiely stated that funding had increased for tree planting which would form part of the Air Quality Strategy and that the Air Quality Management Area models would incorporate the need for more trees in the borough and where trees should be planted. Mat Kiely agreed to look into this area and report back to Councillor Worrall.

Councillor Worrall questioned whether the air quality monitors were currently positioned in the best places and had consideration been made to install them in industrial areas. Mat Kiely stated the current locations had been identified by the last model with the new model identifying any additional monitoring sites.

Councillor Fletcher suggested a review of the existing air quality management areas in Thurrock be undertaken as some wards may now have the same issues as those wards that had monitors installed already.

Councillor Van Day questioned whether there had been any complaints due to the lack of electric vehicle charging points. Mat Kiely stated there would be a generic need to increase the number in the borough and work was being undertaken to increase this number in line with the growth of electric vehicles.

Leigh Nicholson stated that electric vehicle charging points would form part of the Local Plan and to ensure that Thurrock was flexible and moved with the times to identify the need. This would also be a key part of discussions with the property developers.

Councillor Rigby questioned the relevance of the number next to the particulate matter. Mat Kiely stated this would be the size of the matter but would check with the Air Quality team and confirm to Councillor Rigby.

RESOLVED

1.         That the Cleaner Greener and Safer Overview and Scrutiny Committee noted and endorsed the key elements that are to be addressed and taken forward in order to develop the required air quality modelling and a review and refresh of the Air Quality and Health Strategy.

2.         That the Cleaner Greener and Safer endorsed the need for appropriate funding and resource to be explored and provided within the 2020/21 financial year to undertake the work identified in this report.

3.         That the Council worked in conjunction with Cabinet and Cleaner Greener and Safer Overview and Scrutiny Committee to develop and agree a range of encompassing Key Performance Indicators for the 2021/22 financial year, supported by re-modelling data.

At 8.12pm, Mat Kiely left the committee room.