People in St Neots, Brampton, and the area from Hemingford to Fenstanton are breathing cleaner air today than they were 18 years ago.

Three air quality management areas (AQMAs) will be revoked after measuring shows there is no longer a concerning amount of “toxic” air pollution.

The AQMAs were introduced back in 2005 and 2006 after concerns were raised about the amount of nitrogen dioxide in the air people were breathing.

The objective of the designation was to see the levels of air pollution improve.

The designation meant, for example, that new developers looking to build in areas with an AQMA had to consider the impact the development would have and had to ensure there was not an increase in air pollution levels as a result.

A report published by Huntingdonshire District Council said the levels of nitrogen dioxide had improved across St Neots, Brampton, and the area from Hemingford and Fenstanton to the point it was now recommended to lift the AQMA’s.

An AQMA covering Huntingdon is still proposed to remain in place.

The report said there were a number of likely contributors to the improved air quality, including the relocation of the A14, the stricter emission standards for cars, and stricter industrial emission limits.

At a meeting of the district council’s licensing and protection committee on January 25, councillors voted in favour of revoking the three AQMAs.

Officers explained that the air quality in the areas will continue to be monitored adding that if the air quality did deteriorate they could reintroduce the designation.

Councillor Stephen Ferguson said he supported the lifting of the designations.

He said: “I think this [improvement in air quality] is down to government legislation and more societal concern about the effects of these very toxic chemicals, which in fact kill people and cause lots of harm to people with breathing difficulties.

“We should definitely keep on monitoring it, but I think this is reflective of a changed situation and the fact that the air in these towns is genuinely cleaner than it was when we introduced these air quality management areas.”