MP supports Low Emission Zone in Storrington

A trial of the LEZ has been commissioned by HDC in partnership with West Sussex County Council, Storrington and Sullington Parish Council and the Sussex Air Quality Partnership.
Storrington Low Emissions Zone Nick Herbert SUS-140520-101532001Storrington Low Emissions Zone Nick Herbert SUS-140520-101532001
Storrington Low Emissions Zone Nick Herbert SUS-140520-101532001

The trial is being carried out by Siemens and will use four ‘Automatic Number Plate Recognition’ cameras positioned at locations on Pulborough Road, Amberley Road, Washington Road and School Hill.

The cameras will count and categorise vehicles by size (for example, cars, buses, trucks etc.) and will identify their emission levels by looking at the vehicle registration dates.

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However there will be no enforcement or restriction of vehicles during the trial period.

All vehicle data that is captured by the cameras will be encrypted and will not be used for any other purpose other than the trial.

Data will be used to find out the air quality benefits of a number of possible restrictions, including restrictions on certain vehicle types and possible time-limited restrictions on specified vehicles, for example during peak traffic periods, and necessary vehicle exemption criteria.

West Sussex County Councillor for Storrington Philip Circus said: “We are moving forward on two fronts. Firstly, we are starting the LEZ trial which will provide us with the information necessary to inform our subsequent decision making at a local level.

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“Secondly, the feasibility study is now starting on improvements to the A27 - improvements which will be vital to addressing for air pollution in Storrington. And we have built a strong coalition of interests working together to see this happens.”

Diana van der Klugt, Horsham district councillor for Chantry Ward, said: “It was heartening that most people were very positive about the steps being taken towards setting up a LEZ. I am confident that at the end of this current trial we shall be able to put measures in place to make a significant improvement in air quality in the centre of Storrington.”

Anna Worthington-Leese, Chairman of Storrington and Sullington Parish Council, said: “We are delighted to be the first to test this new LEZ equipment. A lot of time and work has gone into getting this far and we are confident that we will be able to tailor this system in such a way that it will make a real difference to pollution levels in Storrington, thus improving our environment and bringing real benefits to people’s health.

“We had a good attendance at the event on Friday and the vast majority of people who attended were supportive and appreciative of what is being done. We are determined to get a positive result out of this - this time something will be done.”

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Councillor Jim Sanson, Horsham district councillor for Chantry Ward, said: “We should welcome this trial, which I view as the first positive step in addressing the alarming levels of vehicle induced pollution in the centre of Storrington”

Nick Herbert said: “It’s appalling that Storrington has amongst the worst air quality in the South East, and action is clearly needed.

“This trial is an important step towards securing a LEZ in the village, and we also need the Arundel bypass to stop rat-running through the Downs and villages such as Storrington.

“I’m pleased to say that we’ll be announcing the launch of the campaign to upgrade the A27 shortly.”

The next drop in event will take place on Saturday May 24 between 10am and 4pm at the Mulberry House car park in Storrington.