Issue

Air Quality

74 stories · discussed at 240 council meetings · 32 councils

Councils are currently discussing and implementing measures to improve air quality through traffic management, emissions control, and infrastructure development.

In September 2026, Barking and Dagenham Council's proposed Controlled Parking Zone expansion faced scrutiny over the data used to justify air quality improvements, with councillors questioning the methodology. Kingston upon Thames began a trial school street scheme to improve air quality around Robin Hood Primary School. Lewisham Council approved the establishment of a borough-wide smoke control area and a £107 million contract for electric vehicle charging points.

Greenwich Council backed a scheme in September 2026 to provide children with £150 active travel vouchers for bikes or scooters. In August 2026, Richmond Council formally objected to the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement, citing significant concerns over air quality. Tower Hamlets Council's Cabinet approved revised parking fees in July 2026, including increases for higher-emission vehicles.

Air quality refers to the condition of the air in terms of its purity or pollution. Councils continue to discuss and decide on measures affecting air quality, with upcoming meetings in October 2026, including Hackney's Cabinet and Havering's Strategic Planning Committee, where related issues may be addressed.

Key facts

  1. Lewisham Council approved a £107 million contract for electric vehicle charging points in September 2026. Source
  2. Lewisham Council approved the establishment of a borough-wide smoke control area in September 2026. Source
  3. Kingston upon Thames began a trial school street scheme to improve air quality around Robin Hood Primary School in September 2026. Source
  4. Greenwich Council backed a scheme to provide children with £150 active travel vouchers in September 2026. Source
  5. Richmond Council formally objected to the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement in August 2026, citing air quality concerns. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 2

  1. Surface access worries in Heathrow expansion response Richmond Council has formally objected to the government's Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS), citing significant concerns over surface access, noise, air... Richmond upon Thames 14 August 2026
  2. Council questions economic case for Heathrow growth Richmond upon Thames Council has formally objected to the government's Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS), citing significant concerns over the economic case,... Richmond upon Thames 14 August 2026
  3. Richmond Council objects to Heathrow expansion Richmond Council has formally objected to the proposed expansion of Heathrow Airport, citing significant concerns over noise, air quality, climate change, economic viability,... Richmond upon Thames 14 August 2026
  4. Newham approves major road safety and cycle scheme Newham Council has approved a significant road safety and cycling scheme for Romford Road at its junction with Woodgrange Road and Upton Lane. The decision, made by Rebecca... Newham 12 August 2026
  5. Council approves revised parking fees Tower Hamlets Council's Cabinet has approved revised parking fees and charges aimed at managing demand and enhancing the financial sustainability of the parking service. The... Tower Hamlets 31 July 2026
  6. Council approves £30k bus route changes for Heartlands Haringey Council's Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Councillor Gio Iozzi, has approved changes to bus routes serving the new Heartlands development in Wood Green, at a cost of... Haringey 27 July 2026
  7. Wood Green gets new bus routes for 2,000 homes New bus routes are set to serve approximately 2,000 homes in Wood Green, following a decision by Haringey Council's Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Councillor Gio Iozzi. The... Haringey 27 July 2026
  8. ULEZ revenue transparency and reinvestment demanded Havering Council has passed a motion calling for greater transparency and reinvestment of revenue generated by the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Havering 27 July 2026