The Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2003

Classification of zones

7.—(1) The Secretary of State shall, in accordance with paragraphs (3), (4) and (7), classify each zone in relation to each of the relevant pollutants according to whether ambient air quality in that zone for that pollutant is required to be assessed by—

(a) measurements;

(b) a combination of measurements and modelling techniques; or

(c) by the sole use of modelling or objective estimation techniques.

(2) The Secretary of State shall, in accordance with paragraphs (5) and (6), classify each zone in relation to ozone according to whether ambient air quality for ozone is required to be assessed by—

(a) fixed continuous measurement; or

(b) a combination of measurement campaigns of short duration and results from emission inventories and modelling.

(3) Measurements must be used to assess ambient air quality in relation to a relevant pollutant in a zone if—

(a) the zone is an agglomeration;

(b) the levels of that pollutant in the zone are between the relevant limit value and upper assessment threshold; or

(c) the levels of that pollutant in the zone exceed the limit value for that pollutant.

(4) A combination of measurements and modelling techniques may be used to assess ambient air quality in any zone in relation to a relevant pollutant where the levels of that pollutant over a representative period are below the relevant upper assessment threshold.

(5) Fixed continuous measurement must be used to assess ambient air quality in relation to ozone if within the last five years concentrations of ozone in that zone have exceeded a long-term objective.

(6) A combination of measurement campaigns of short duration and results from emissions inventories and modelling may be used to assess ambient air quality in relation to ozone in a zone if fewer than five years' data are available to determine exceedances.

(7) Where the levels of a relevant pollutant in any zone over a representative period are below the relevant lower assessment threshold, the sole use of modelling or objective estimation techniques for assessing levels of that pollutant is permissible unless—

(a) the zone is an agglomeration; and

(b) the pollutant is sulphur dioxide or nitrogen dioxide.

(8) The upper and lower assessment thresholds for the relevant pollutants are set out in Part I of Schedule 3.

(9) Where a zone is classified in relation to a pollutant under paragraph (1)(a), modelling techniques may be used for supplementing the measurements taken in order to provide an adequate level of information on ambient air quality in relation to a relevant pollutant in the zone.

(10) The Secretary of State may also designate a zone classified under this regulation in relation to a relevant pollutant as follows.

(11) Where the relevant pollutant is sulphur dioxide, the zone may be designated under this paragraph if the limit value is exceeded in the zone owing to concentrations of sulphur dioxide in ambient air due to natural sources.

(12) Where the relevant pollutant is PM₁₀, the zone may be designated—

(a) under this sub-paragraph if, due to natural events, concentrations of PM₁₀ in the ambient air are significantly in excess of normal background levels from natural sources;

(b) under this sub-paragraph if, due to the resuspension of particulates following the winter sanding of roads, concentrations of PM₁₀ in the ambient air are significantly in excess of normal background levels from natural sources.