Air Pollution in Doncaster
Doncaster Council is committed to monitoring the air pollution of the Borough and informing the public of the results.
The quality of the air we breathe is affected by many factors. These include emissions from local industry, domestic sources, and exhaust gases from the traffic travelling within the Borough.
Traffic sources are a major reason for episodes of raised pollution levels in the Doncaster town centre. High levels of pollutants can affect people with breathing difficulties as the airways can become irritated and narrowed.
Doncaster Council understands that for most people the use of private vehicles is an essential part of every day life, and although we would ask that you consider alternative methods of transport, we appreciate these are not always available or convenient.
Why should you care?
Road transport is responsible for 22% of the UK's total carbon dioxide emissions, 50% of nitrogen dioxide emissions, 64% of beneze emissions and 75% of carbon monoxide emissions.
There are over 120 pollution hotspots in the UK, which means that national air quality targets won't be met.
It is estimated that up to 24,000 people die prematurely in the UK every year as a result of poor air quality.
The fuel economy of similar sized cars using the same fuel can vary by as much as 45%, so by choosing the most fuel-efficient car you can save money and benefit the environment at the same time.
Are you doing your bit?
Whether you use your car every day or once a week there are ways YOU can help reduce air pollution from your car:
- Ensure your car is running efficiently by servicing it on a regular basis, this will not only reduce harmful exhaust emissions but also reduce your running costs.
- Ensure that your vehicle tyres are inflated to the correct pressure as this can make a huge difference when it comes to managing fuel consumption.
- Don't leave your engine to idle when the car is stationary.
- Whenever you drive ensure that you Eco drive. Drive smoothly, use the highest gear possible, do not over rev, decelerate smoothly by taking the foot of the accelerator (i.e. don't just use the brakes). Eco driving can save fuel too!
- Ask your employer if they have a green transport plan, if they want some ideas ask them to look on www.powershift.org.uk or contact the Green Transport Officer at Doncaster Council.
- Use your air conditioning and other on-board electrical devices (for example, mobile phone chargers) sparingly.
- By driving carefully and sticking to speed limits you can minimise your fuel consumption and reduce the need for sharp braking.
- Consider car sharing with a friend or colleague.
- When not in use remove your roof rack and make your car more aerodynamic and use less fuel.
- In the summer fill up with fuel at cooler times of the day to stop polluting vapours escaping into the air.
- Try and make a single journey instead of lots of short ones, this will reduce the amount of fuel wasted each time you start up your car.
Further Information
If you are worried about air pollution affecting your personal health, please consult your General Practitioner (GP).
Daily air quality information is available on 01302 737536 or by visiting the Daily Air Pollution Levels page.
Information about monitoring systems used in Doncaster can be obtained from the Pollution Control Section using the contact details at the top of this page.
