Air Quality

Market Hill has higher concentrations of nitrogen dioxide than the national air quality limits. The latest annual status report has further details of the levels on Market Hill and the location of the monitoring sites. 

Traffic emissions are the most significant source of air pollution in Maldon, with Market Hill particularly affected because of the gradient of the road and the close proximity of nearby properties which reduce the dispersion and dilution of road traffic emissions. Poor air quality can contribute to respiratory problems and other health conditions.

To help reduce vehicle emissions on Market Hill and improve the air quality, Market Hill is a designated Clean Air Route.

The non-charging Clean Air Route is a voluntary scheme whereby vehicle drivers are asked to use the bypass to access the town centre from the West and South instead of using Market Hill. The intention is to reduce emissions on Market Hill to improve air quality.

It is hoped people will choose to avoid Market Hill to help everyone living, working and walking there to breathe cleaner air.

Frequently asked questions about the Clean Air Route:

Why is the Clean Air Route necessary? 
Air pollution on Market Hill is above national emissions limits and air quality needs to be improved.

Why is it only Market Hill that has an air pollution problem and not other parts of Maldon District?
When vehicles travel up a steep hill they produce more exhaust emissions and because the properties on Market Hill are close to the road it prevents pollution dispersing into the surrounding air.

Won’t avoiding Market Hill make journeys into town much longer?
No, modelling data shows most journeys will increase by up to two minutes when using the bypass.

Why isn’t Market Hill made one way?
This is not an option as traffic modelling shows that it would cause too much congestion and delays in other parts of Maldon with the resulting slow moving traffic increasing emissions and reducing air quality. It would also cause substantial delays to journey times.

Why are buses still be allowed?
Buses help multiple passengers reach the centre of town and contribute to a reduction in the overall number of vehicles on the road.  Local bus companies are being encouraged to take action to reduce the emissions they produce, for example by improving the energy efficiency of their fleet and switching off their engines when stationary.

Is this the only way air pollution is being tackled?
No, the Clean Air Route is part of a wider programme of work to encourage active travel and improve air quality. These include enforcement of existing HGV weight restrictions, improving the bus fleet and promoting journeys by foot or bicycle. Further information about these activities is available in our Air Quality Action Plan 2020-2025 

Why should drivers support the Clean Air Route?
It will help improve the air that local people breathe. Poor air quality can contribute to respiratory and heart problems, dementia and cancer. If just 1 in 5 journeys use an alternative route, the air quality on Market Hill would meet the recommended national standard.

If you would like to help promote the Clean Air Route, the following materials can be downloaded.