Penrith Town Council this week approved its new Environment Plan with the controversial Low-Emission Zones contained in the council's original draft Environment Plan scrapped with all references to Low-Emission Zones removed from the final plan, following a public consultation in June that received a total of 100 responses from the public and local organisations.
The councils original draft plan had set out plans for Penrith Town Council to actively influence, lobby and campaign to achieve a set of actions the council have outlined including, Traffic Limitations and the development of Clean Air Zones on those roads causing the greatest concern.
Implementation of traffic calming measures and reduced speed limits to reduce vehicle emissions.
Creation of car-free zones in Penrith where pedestrianisation and clean air are the priority.
Consider the implementation of Low-Emission Zones (LEZs) where only vehicles meeting certain emission standards are allowed to enter
Consider closing roads, or creating low emissions zones for roads adjacent to schools to protect children, who are most vulnerable to air pollution.
The council considered the consultation responses in a private Task and Finish Group the council formed to produce a revised Environment Plan.
The councils original draft Environment Plan has scaled back considerably from its original proposals into what the council have said is “an achievable action plan”.
Alongside the councils new environmental plan, the councillors approved the formation of a Climate and Environment Strategy Task and Finish Group and appointed six councillors to the new group.
The councils new environment plan sets out the councils vision to create a healthier, cleaner, more sustainable environment in Penrith by reducing pollution through what the town council say are an achievable set of actions.”
The plan includes working to reduce air pollution, light pollution, the pollution of rivers and watercourses and waste and recycling.
The town council says it will achieve by implement 5 key strategies by Raise public awareness and increase community engagement, Promote the use of public transport and walking and cycling routes, Improve and enhance green spaces! Minimise the burning of fossil fuels and Lobby for and support regulation and legislation.
The town council plans to reduce light pollution in the town through a combination of community efforts, policy changes, and individual actions. Including Working with other agencies to ensure the planting of trees and other vegetation to act as natural light barriers. Alongside Engaging with local government to prioritise the reduction of light pollution in town planning and development projects.
The town council says it plans to investigate options for the additional provision of recycling facilities in the town to help with address waste and recycling in Penrith.
The town council had previously managed the former household recycling centre located in Morrisons Car Park until it ended the management arrangements of the facility that was recently removed following repeated flytipping issues.
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