PEOPLE in North Yorkshire are being asked for their views on air pollution.

Reducing the impact of pollution on health and the environment is at the heart of a draft strategy addressing air quality across North Yorkshire.

In North Yorkshire, the district and borough councils are responsible for monitoring air quality in towns, villages and across the countryside and the county council has a statutory duty to work with them where issues are identified.

A key area of the draft strategy is the role sustainable travel can play in improving our air quality.

Walking, cycling, or using low emission vehicles can all have a positive impact on reducing air pollution.

The county council is now seeking the public’s views on the county’s draft Air Quality Strategy, which aims to strengthen existing work and partnerships across the region. The public survey is open now and runs until March 16.

The council aims to use its influence to reduce air pollution across North Yorkshire and the draft strategy aims to complement the wider climate change agenda.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, North Yorkshire’s executive member for access, said: “This draft strategy provides an opportunity to set out the ways in which we will help to protect and improve outdoor air quality across North Yorkshire, for example, decreasing our reliance on cars by increasing use of public transport.

“By doing so, it is hoped the county will remain a special place for everyone to live, work and visit.”

The online survey can be found here and the consultation document here.