Newham's Cabinet has approved the borough's refreshed Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) for 2025-2030, outlining strategies to improve air quality and reduce residents' exposure to pollution. The plan acknowledges that despite significant reductions in air pollution levels over the past three years, Newham is not yet fully compliant with National Air Quality Objectives for NO2 and PM10. The borough was declared an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) in December 2019, covering all areas. The Mayor of London aims to meet WHO guidelines for PM2.5 by 2030, and Newham's AQAP aims to assist in achieving these targets.
The statutory document, required under the Environment Act 1995, builds on previous achievements while addressing evolving challenges. It expands its focus beyond transport emissions to include greater attention on local businesses, stakeholders, and community engagement. Two new themes have been introduced: 'Communities, Businesses and Education' and 'Collaboration and Lobbying'.
The 'Communities, Businesses and Education' theme aims to raise awareness, encourage behaviour change, and empower residents, schools, and businesses to take action on air quality. This includes workshops, educational programmes in schools, and support for businesses through the Zero Emissions Network (ZEN) to adopt cleaner transport options. The ZEN offers complimentary membership, expert advice, and tailored support to encourage the adoption of low-emissions transport options, such as cargo bikes. Members benefit from workshops, networking, and promotional opportunities. The plan also aims to cut emissions from commercial events by encouraging organisers to use renewable energy, efficient equipment, and zero-waste initiatives.
The 'Collaboration and Lobbying' theme seeks to strengthen partnerships with neighbouring local authorities and stakeholders like TfL and the GLA to address transboundary pollution issues. While specific sources of transboundary pollution are not detailed, the collaboration aims to influence systemic reforms and secure stronger legal standards and investment related to transport, energy systems, and product standards. It also advocates for stronger national policies and supports research into air quality.
Residents' feedback from the public consultation highlighted strong concerns about air pollution, with broad support for measures to reduce transport emissions and expand green spaces. Tree planting and greening initiatives were ranked as the highest priority, while transport emissions were identified as the most significant issue.
Key actions within the plan include expanding Healthy School Streets, promoting active travel, increasing electric vehicle charging infrastructure to 3,000 points by 2030, and retrofitting social homes for better energy efficiency. The plan also aims to improve indoor air quality and strengthen partnerships with the NHS and other agencies. The AQAP 2025-2030 has a strong focus on transport emissions, with priorities including promoting sustainable transport options, encouraging active travel by enhancing infrastructure, and expanding green spaces and parks. Specific targets for reducing transport emissions are not detailed, but the plan emphasizes a shift away from car dependency. The plan aims for 83% of trips by foot, cycle, or public transport by 2041.
The Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) 2025-2030 will measure progress through several key performance indicators (KPIs) and actions. These include community action through workshops and events, structured school programmes, business support via ZEN, piloting indoor air quality monitors, and health sector involvement. Air quality monitoring will focus on achieving high data capture rates for NO2 and particulate monitoring stations, investigating Silvertown Tunnel air quality monitors, and publishing local air quality data annually. Construction and demolition sites will be required to meet Newham's Code of Construction Practice by 2026, with pilots for real-time pollution monitoring. For buildings and infrastructure, an Energy Management Plan for Council-owned buildings is due by 2030, with a phase-out of gas boilers and integration of green infrastructure into new developments. Progress will be reported annually to DEFRA and the GLA, and the plan is considered 'live' and adaptable. The full Air Quality Action Plan 2025-2030 can be viewed here.
