A PLAN that aims to improve air quality in Carlisle has been approved by the city council’s executive.

The Air Quality Action Plan has been drawn up by the council and sets out the steps that it and its partners, plan to take to reduce NO2 concentrations.

It replaces the revised action plan from 2012 and considers the likely causes of high NO2 concentrations.

High concentration of N02 can be caused by traffic congestion and heavy-duty vehicles. The plan also details 12 local measures which are expected to reduce these concentrations over the next five years.

Carlisle City Council has developed plans under broad subjects such as alternatives to private vehicle use, freight management and development control.

Councillor Nigel Christian, portfolio holder for environment and transport said:

"We are committed to improving air quality in Carlisle.

"Our updated action plan has been drawn together with the support of partners including transport planners, the Environment Agency and the Highways Agency. It was also subject to a public consultation - thanks to everyone that took part and had their say.”

Plans include integrating sustainable transport into the infrastructure of the city and a requirement of travel plans for all new developments.