The major components of air quality management are generally considered to be emissions monitoring, air quality monitoring, standards and guidelines, air quality modelling, public information, alert procedures, land use planning and transport integration. Many of these activities in the UK to date have been directed at short term improvement in air quality rather than seeking to develop structures capable of ensuring progressive long term improvements in air quality. Central government has recognised the need to provide an integrated framework for the identification and subsequent management of areas in which air quality may be a problem. Local authorities are to bear the primary responsibility for this, with the co-operation of bodies such as the Environment Agency.