Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure that Highways England is putting in place plans to reduce air pollution, including with its (a) contractors and (b) sub-contractors.

To measure the performance of its contractors in delivering better environmental outcomes, Highways England focuses on carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) in tons associated with its supply chain.

With certain contracts Highways England allocates work based on past performance. Therefore, if a supplier does not comply with the carbon measurement tool, it could lead to a reduction in the projects they are allocated.

Recent major tenders set out a clear CO2 statement and require carbon commitments from the bidders which are then built into contracts. Other live tenders include an environmental management plan which asks suppliers to target a reduction in carbon usage and to define their air quality strategy.

Furthermore, Highways England has for several years been investigating measures that it can take to reduce NO2 pollution from road users. This has included monitoring the effectiveness of tall barriers and running an open competition to gather ideas from a wide range of organisations. Highways England is now applying some of these measures where they will make a difference, as can be seen from the 60mph speed limits on the M1 and M6.

Further information on air quality activity, including links to the findings from research, is available online at https://highwaysengland.co.uk/our-work/air-quality/