RESIDENTS in Worcester are being invited to complete a survey about air pollution ahead of Clean Air Day later this month.
The questionnaire aims to capture insights into issues like awareness and use of local air quality tools, lifestyle changes to improve air quality, and communication preferences on the important topic.
The survey is being carried out by Worcestershire Regulatory Services on behalf of Worcester City Council and delivered in partnership with Worcestershire County Council.
An earlier evaluation in 2024 highlighted concerns around public health, the environment, urban planning, and quality of life.
These findings helped inform strategies to reduce air pollution exposure and promote air quality information, including making improvements to the behavioural change workshops carried out in schools and community groups.
It is hoped the new survey results will continue to help make a difference to the future of work to improve air quality and will see more engagement with the communities to achieve this.
Coun Richard Udall, chair of Worcester City Council’s licensing and environmental health committee, said: “While air quality across most of Worcester is generally good, there are areas in and around the city centre where levels of nitrogen dioxide, largely linked to road traffic, remain higher than we would like.
“Poor air quality can have a real impact on both public health and the environment, which is why it is so important that we continue to understand people’s experiences and concerns.
“We would encourage residents to take part in the survey and share their views, helping us and our partners to build on existing work and make further improvements to air quality across the city.”
Based on results, future air quality messaging will be tailored to ensure key stakeholders can play their part in combatting air pollution.
Matt Fung, public health consultant at Worcestershire County Council, added: “While we live in a beautiful, predominantly rural area, air pollution can still affect our daily lives.
“This survey is a great opportunity for people to share their views and help us understand what small changes could make a difference, whether that’s reducing car emissions outside schools or thinking about how and when we use solid fuel or wood-burning fires.
“We know people make choices for many different reasons, and we want to work together to find practical, realistic ways to improve air quality for everyone.”
The launch of the survey comes ahead of Clean Air Day on June 18, organised by Global Action Plan, the UK’s largest public air pollution campaign.
Visit www.worcsregservices.gov.uk/all-services/pollution/air-quality/ to complete the survey before July 31.
