Motorists navigating Kingshill Road will now encounter new digital signs at both ends of the road as part of a Swindon Borough Council initiative to combat Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) emissions.
The installation of these signs aligns with efforts to address heightened NO2 levels detected in 2018, leading to the designation of Kingshill Road as an Air Quality Management Area.
To fund measures aimed at enhancing air quality, Swindon Borough Council secured a £149,000 grant from DEFRA. This funding helped with the installation of digital signs strategically designed to promote active travel and encourage eco-friendly driving practices.
Additionally, the DEFRA grant will support broader engagement campaigns targeting the reduction of emissions and the mitigation of the impact of crucial air pollutants.
Councillor Jim Grant, Cabinet Member for Communities and Joint Working at Swindon Borough Council, expressed satisfaction with the progress: “Kingshill Road has been an Air Quality Management Area for some years now so I’m really pleased we’re implementing the measures in our action plan to improve air quality for local residents.
“We hope the digital signs will make motorists not only think about their driving style, but consider leaving the car at home and switching to active travel.”
Despite these positive steps, Councillor Grant advised there remain further initiatives in the pipeline including the implementation of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to restrict most Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) from using Kingshill Road and the establishment of an Enhanced Bus Partnership to enhance bus priority schemes.
