In October 2018, the Council was instructed by the Government to produce a Clean Air Plan (CAP) with the aim being to look at how air quality could be improved by reducing the levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) in the air, in the ‘shortest possible time’.

NO₂ is a gas produced by burning fossil fuels, with one of the biggest sources coming from vehicles with diesel engines. Research has shown that NO₂ particularly affects children and people with existing respiratory problems.

As part of the work undertaken by the Council, it has been identified that the Walton Vale area (Orrell Lane to Warbreck Moor/Longmoor Lane) has high levels of NO_2. A study has found that several factors relating to the building and highway layout, and how traffic uses the road, are contributing to the high levels of air pollution..

The solutions we have found for this are to;

• relocate the southbound Walton Vale bus stop on Walton Vale, further back towards Longmoor Lane, and
• create 2 southbound lanes and 1 northbound lane between Orrell Lane and Warbreck Moor/Longmoor Lane which will enable traffic to flow more efficiently and reduce the amount of air pollution.

Liverpool City Council will be implementing these changes and are currently planning for the works to take place from 27th May 2025.

This will involve a road closure for 4-6 nights which will be in place between 7pm and 6am each night. Prior to the works starting, signs will be erected in the area displaying the dates of the closure and a diversion route will be signed during the works.  As part of the scheme, the Council will continue to monitor the levels of air quality and traffic flow.