Will Cornwall’s Air Quality Plan Change Daily Life? Have Your Say Now

Cornwall Council is asking people to share their views on its plan to improve air quality across the county over the next five years.

The draft Air Quality Action Plan for 2026 to 2031 is now available to read on the Council’s Let’s Talk Cornwall website. You can view it at the link provided in the release or go straight to the survey through the Let’s Talk Cornwall air quality page.

What the Plan Covers

The document outlines proposals to cut emissions in Cornwall’s three remaining Air Quality Management Areas. These are specific locations where pollution levels are, or could be, higher than national air quality objectives. More information on national limits is available on the UK Air website.

Over the past five years, six AQMAs in Camelford, Bodmin, St Austell, Grampound, Truro and Kerrier have been revoked after improvements in air quality. Three still remain in Tideford, Gunnislake and Launceston.

Five Priorities for the Next Five Years

The draft Plan focuses on five main priorities:

1. Reduce transport emissions
Invest in walking, cycling, public transport and low emission vehicle infrastructure within AQMAs and across Cornwall.

2. Support behaviour changes through schools and employers
Improve infrastructure and information to create safer and more accessible routes for children and staff travelling to schools and workplaces.

3. Strengthen air quality monitoring
Maintain and expand real time monitoring across AQMAs to track progress and support evidence led decision making.

4. Integrate air quality into planning
Ensure air quality stays a key factor in planning decisions, particularly in or near AQMAs.

5. Maintain compliance in Air Quality Areas of Concern
Although six AQMAs have been revoked in the last year, measures will continue to stay in place in these areas to make sure air quality objectives are still met.

Residents Encouraged to Take Part

Councillor Thalia Marrington, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Protection, said: “We know that air quality can have a really significant impact on people’s health and wellbeing.

“It’s great to see that air quality has improved in several areas and I look forward to seeing more progress in the coming years.

“I urge residents, particularly those living in the three Air Quality Management Areas, to review the proposals and share their views.”

How to Share Your Views

Residents and stakeholders can respond to the consultation by completing the survey on the Let’s Talk Cornwall air quality page.

The survey closes on 31st January 2026.