Improvements mean the borough’s final Air Quality Management Area can be cancelled

Due to a reduction in air pollution, it’s been proposed that an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) in Blackburn South and Lower Darwen is no longer needed.

An AQMA is appointed to an area where air pollution levels exceed the national air quality objectives and in 2012, an AQMA was declared at Blackamoor junction due to the level of pollution in the air, particularly nitrogen dioxide, predominantly from vehicle exhausts.

Since 2016, pollution levels in the area have fallen below the national standard. This is due to action taken at a local level but also part of a national trend in the reduction of nitrogen dioxide air pollution, due to the modernisation of vehicles and policies to encourage the use of cleaner cars.

As a result of the significant long-term improvement, the council is now considering revoking (officially cancelling) the Air Quality Management Area and is asking residents for their opinion in the form of a consultation. 

This is a course of action supported by the government department for environment, food and rural affairs (DEFRA) who review our annual status report on air quality.

In 2023, AQMA’s in three other areas of the borough were removed. 

The council will continue to monitor pollution levels in and around Blackamoor junction as it does in other areas of the borough.

Councillor Jim Smith, Executive Member for Environment and Communities said:

It’s fantastic news that the Air Quality Management Area in Blackamoor is no longer needed and what’s even better is that this is the last AQMA in the borough.

I trust that levels of pollution across the borough will continue to remain at adequate levels, however residents can help aid that by making better decisions about their travel, including travelling by bike or walking when possible, or car sharing.

Small acts like this make our borough a better place to live.

Have your say

What do you think about the council’s proposal to revoke the Air Quality Management Area?

The consultation is open until Saturday 15 March 2025 for your feedback.

Please send us your comments:

• By e-mail to publicprotection@blackburn.gov.uk ; or
• By letter addressed to Air Quality Consultation, Public Protection Service, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Davyfield Road Depot, Roman Road Industrial Estate, Blackburn, BB1 2LX

You can see more information about the consultation on our website.

For more information about air quality, including annual status reports and the areas where we closely monitor air quality, visit our website.