Expanded Smoke Control Area to come into force in Oxford
New scheme intended to prevent harm to the health of the city's residents is due to come into place soon.
Oxford City Council has announced that the existing Smoke Control Areas (SCAs) in Oxford will be replaced with a city-wide SCA from 1 December.
Following the 1992 Clean Air Act, local authorities have been able to designate SCAs in their administrative areas, which means legislation is in place in order to reduce the amount of smoke from wood burners and open fires. This is intended to reduce the main sources of “indoor air pollution and harmful particulate pollution in Oxford”.
These particles are known to be dangerous to human health, and can increase the risk of serious illnesses including lung disease, heart disease and some cancers. It is also known that children are more vulnerable, with exposure impacting their growth and development.
When asked about the extended SCA, Councillor Anna Railton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Zero Carbon Oxford, Oxford City Council, said: “We know that fine particulate pollution from smoke causes very serious health problems. Oxford has historically followed a patchwork approach to Smoke Control Areas - which covered only 48% of the city. The expansion will mean that from 1 December we will be bringing the whole city under one single Smoke Control Area - ensuring the whole city is better protected against harmful pollution.”
The new rules mean residents are able to use exempt appliances, including most wood burners, there are also certain fuels available that can be used in banned appliances or open fires.
Outdoor barbeques, chimineas, garden fireplaces, and pizza ovens are still allowed, as long as they do not release smoke through the chimney of a building. Bonfires are also allowed, providing they stick to the rules set out by the council.
Businesses are required to stick to all SCA rules.
Councillor Railton concluded that “The expanded Smoke Control Area aims to reduce both indoor and outdoor emissions of fine particulate pollution across the city by preventing people from burning high-polluting and inefficient solid fuels, which are harmful to health and a significant source of emissions. I am pleased that we can take this important public health measure to reduce particulate pollution throughout the city.”