Introduction
Poor air quality is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK. People who live in city centres and near busy roads are the most likely to be exposed to dangerous levels of air pollution. Long-term exposure to this kind of pollution reduces life expectancy, mainly through cardiovascular and respiratory conditions and lung cancer.
In areas where measured air pollution is above national air quality objectives, local authorities are legally required to declare Air Quality Management Areas.
In 2013, South Kesteven District Council created an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) for Grantham. Covering an area in the town centre along Manthorpe Road and Wharf Road and including High Street and London Road, it is illustrated on the map below: