Some of the measures taken up in the action program deal with, among other things, reducing traffic and road wear and tear.
In order to lower the particle levels in the air, the municipality plans to start wet sweeping during the winter months. Another measure is to advance the collection of gravel and sand when the weather permits, as this reduces the risk of health-hazardous particles being spread further into the air.
The gravel will also be replaced with a coarser version to reduce emissions.
New asphalt on exposed sections
A large part of the particles that affect the air consist of mineral particles that come from asphalt and sand. Therefore, the municipality plans to replace existing asphalt on selected stretches where the particle content is high with a more wear-resistant asphalt, which could reduce wear and tear on the stretch by 30 percent annually.
As early as this summer, work will begin on repaving Kyrkgatan and Rådhusgatan.
Other measures included in the plan involve introducing more and safer bicycle parking spaces, equipping the municipality’s commuter parking lots and requirements for dust prevention measures in case of major building permits.
Proposal for congestion tax scrapped
The measures that Östersund’s municipality chooses to scrap are about studded tire restrictions, allowing cyclists to drive in one-way traffic and introducing a congestion tax.
The action program for the air quality in Östersund will be taken up during Wednesday’s meeting of the environmental and social committee.