Do your bit for air quality
Last Updated: 3 April 2024
There are lots of things you can do to help improve air quality locally, reduce your carbon footprint and reduce levels of nitrogen dioxide in the air.
Many will also help keep you fit and save you money.
Reduce the number of vehicles on the road
Walk or cycle instead of using the car
How about setting up a 'walking bus' to get the kids to school? You could also try a school, home or work travel plan? Help on these schemes is available from Cumbria County Council travel plans.
You can save up to 50% on the price of a new bike if your employer is part of the:
Further information on cycling and walking is available from:
Sustrans
NHS Change4Life
Lift share
Share a lift to work, clubs or school with someone else travelling your way and take it in turns to drive and half your mileage. You could be matched up with someone doing a similar journey if you register your details with the national liftshare scheme.
Use public transport
Plan your route or get bus, ferry and train times from:
If you are over 60 you can get free bus journeys with the NoWcard.
There is also a card for five to 18 year olds offering reduced fare bus travel called the NoWcard.
Drive more efficiently
Make your journey more energy efficient:
- drive as smoothly as you can and stick to higher gears
- switch off your engine when not moving
- keep the weight of your car down by not carrying unnecessary items
- use air conditioning sparingly
- maintain correct tyre pressures
- service your car regularly
Clean up the vehicles on the road
Smoky diesels
You can report smoky diesels if they are public service vehicles (buses and coaches) or heavy goods vehicles. You will need to make a note of the type of vehicle, registration, the company name and where and when the vehicle was seen.
Report a smoky lorry or bus to the Driver Vehicle and Standards Agency (DVSA) online
Alternatively, you can telephone the DVSA enquiry unit on 0300 123 9000.
Clean fuel vehicle
Buy a clean fuel vehicle or convert your vehicle to run on a clean fuel, such as LPG, CNG or electricity.
Ensure you have a particulate filter fitted on your diesel vehicle.