- try not to make unnecessary car journeys, especially short trips
- use public transport if possible
- try walking or cycling
- keep your vehicle well maintained – oil should be regularly changed, tyres kept at the correct pressure, make sure the engine is properly tuned
- avoid idling your engine when you are stuck at traffic lights and whilst parked up, especially outside schools
- car share to work with colleagues
- drive smoothly by not revving your engine unnecessarily, avoid heavy breaking and hard acceleration
- when changing your vehicle, consider electric or low emission vehicles as they have lower running and maintenance costs, are fast to charge and are better for the environment
Air becomes polluted when it contains substances which can have a harmful effect on the health of people, animals and vegetation. The main causes of air pollution include:
- transport
- domestic heating
- industrial processes
- agriculture
Air pollution is harmful to everyone but some people are more affected including:
- older people
- children
- people with pre-existing conditions
- pregnant women
- those who are more exposed to poor air quality such as residents living near main roads
We have a statutory role to monitor and improve local air quality. There are also targets - the National Air Quality Objectives set by the Government - that need to be met to help reduce the affect that poor air quality has on people’s health.
Air quality monitoring
Currently we monitor Nitrogen dioxide (NO²) levels in the Selby area. Long periods of exposure to elevated concentrations of NO² may lead to people developing asthma and increase their risk to respiratory infections.
NO² levels in the area are monitored using diffusion tubes. These are installed in various locations for four week periods, sent for analysis and the results are collated to provide an annual result. You can view all results which are uploaded to the DEFRA data centre.
Air quality management areas (AQMA) in the Selby area
Image
New Street in Selby was designated as an AQMA on 29 February 2016 due to its higher levels of NO². The area covers the two rows of terraced buildings flanking New Street and The Crescent between Selby Abbey and Ousegate.
An air quality action plan was created to improve air quality and protect the health of residents. Having received approval from DEFRA, the plan is annually reviewed and progress is reported each year in our air quality annual status report.
View Selby’s air quality action plan. (pdf / 2 MB)
Air quality reports
We monitor air quality across the area and report on it each year to DEFRA. This allows for progress to be reviewed and highlights where further focus or investigation may be needed. Further details about air quality can be found in one of our air quality annual status reports:
- Download the Selby area air quality annual status report 2023 (pdf / 3 MB)
- Download the Selby area air quality annual status report 2022 (pdf / 2 MB)
How you can help improve local air quality
Making a few changes to how we travel and do things at home can have a positive impact on emissions and local air quality.
Changes to make whilst on the road
Changes to make in the home
- maintain your heating system properly so you use less fuel and reduce heating bills
- turn off lights when not needed
- buy energy efficient light bulbs
- avoid leaving plugs and appliances on standby
- avoid having bonfires – if you have to only burn dry material and never household waste containing plastic, foam or paint. Home composting is a great alternative to garden bonfires
- if your home is heated using solid fuel use a DEFRA approved fuel and appliance
- take household waste, such as old furniture or building materials, to one of our household waste recycling centres rather than burn it
- we also offer a bulky waste collection service for larger items which will not go in your normal refuse collection
- if you get a private company to remove any waste, check they are a reputable company with a waste carriers licence to ensure they will not fly tip your waste
Using open fires and wood burning stoves
If you use an open fire or wood burning stove to heat your home, there are simple steps you can take to limit emissions both inside and outside of your home:
- use a DEFRA approved appliance which is fitted by an approved installer
- keep your appliance well maintained and clean
- have your chimney swept at least once a year
- use DEFRA approved or smokeless fuel
- if using wood make sure it is seasoned or dry
If your property is in a designated smoke control area the rules are different. Visit our smoke control areas page for further details.
Further advice can be found on the DEFRA website.
Odour and dust
We are unable to investigate complaints about dust and odour from residential properties. Statutory nuisance of dust and odour only applies to commercial sources of dust, such as work carried out by builders on a domestic or commercial property, or demolition work.
For bonfire related odour or dust issues visit our bonfires page.
Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is found everywhere, usually at levels that pose no risk.
Outside the gas is diluted by the air, but it can be more dangerous inside buildings where it can build up and pose a risk to your health. This risk is however very low.
The Government has identified the areas of the country where radon is at a higher level – you can check if your property is located in a radon affected area by visiting the UK Health Security Agency website.
Industrial pollution and emissions permits
Some industries and businesses need permits from us or the Environment Agency to release pollution and emissions into the environment.
For those activities that need permits from us, businesses must submit an application form with the appropriate fee to the Council – visit our licensing section for further details.
Further information
For further information on local air quality monitoring or the AQMA, please contact us.