North Devon Council has announced the revocation of the Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) for Braunton, marking a significant milestone in the district's ongoing efforts to improve air quality. Braunton, the only AQMA within the North Devon Council area, has seen consistent improvements in air quality over the past five years.

This decision comes after the pollution levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) have remained more than 10% below the exceedance level for five consecutive years. This positive trend is attributed to a reduction in transport emissions, driven by advancements in vehicle emissions technology and the increasing adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles.

While the council recognises that air pollution continues to be a concern, particularly with particulates from diesel vehicles, this achievement demonstrates a significant step forward. North Devon Council remains steadfast in its commitment to further improving air quality, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting sustainability throughout the district.

Lead for Environmental Protection at North Devon Council, Darren Hale said: "Revoking the AQMA in Braunton is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our community and partners. While this is a moment to celebrate, we recognise that our journey towards better air quality and sustainability continues. We look forward to working closely with our residents and businesses to build on this success."

To continue this progress, the council is developing a new district-wide Air Quality Strategy. This initiative aims to address broader pollution concerns and will involve active engagement with residents and businesses to ensure a collaborative approach to maintaining and enhancing air quality standards in North Devon. 

Residents can stay up-to-date with council news by visiting their website and following their Facebook page.