Adur District Council launches consultation on new air quality strategy
Released: Friday, 27 February 2026
Adur District Council has prepared a new draft plan to further improve air quality across the area and protect residents’ health and wellbeing.
The strategy covers key issues such as transport, public health and planning policy and guidance, and the potential steps the local authority and its partners can take to improve air quality across the district.
This follows the revocation of the Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) at High Street in Shoreham and Old Shoreham Road (the A270) in Southwick.
The AQMAs were originally introduced in 2005 because of elevated levels of poisonous nitrogen dioxide in the air, largely caused by road traffic, before they were revoked in 2024 after a sustained improvement in air quality at both sites.
The new strategy reflects updated national statutory requirements for local authorities and sets out targeted measures to reduce concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and particulates known to have serious impacts on people’s health.
Residents, businesses and stakeholders are now invited to comment on the draft strategy, with consultation feedback helping to shape and strengthen the final plan.
The strategy sets out how reducing emissions from road traffic continues to play a role in improving air quality. The council will continue to improve the efficiency and environmental performance of its own vehicle fleet while influencing wider emissions standards, for example through taxi licensing policies. It will also support the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the district in partnership with West Sussex County Council.
In addition, anti-idling signage will be reviewed and installed at known pollution hotspots and the development of car clubs will be supported, particularly within new developments.
The council will continue working with partners and community groups to bring forward improvements to walking and cycling infrastructure in line with the Adur and Worthing Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.
Air quality actions will be aligned with wider public health priorities, including the West Sussex Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy and will work to ensure that new developments do not worsen air quality.
Emissions from domestic and commercial burning, which contribute to PM2.5 fine particulate matter, will also be explored further.
Councillor Andy Harvey, Adur’s cabinet member for the environment and leisure, said:
“Revoking our Air Quality Management Areas was a significant milestone and reflects consistent monitoring and action over many years. However, protecting and improving air quality remains a priority.
“This draft strategy sets out how we will build on that progress, supporting cleaner transport, strengthening planning policies and working with partners to improve public health. We encourage residents and businesses to share their views before the strategy is finalised.”
Anyone living or working in the district is encouraged to view the strategy and submit feedback through a short survey. The deadline for comments is Sunday 22nd March 2026.
To find out more about the consultation, visit:
Photo: The roundabout at the junction of High Street and the Norfolk Bridge in Shoreham
(PR26-026)
Page last updated: 27 February 2026