Log in
Issue

Air Quality

83 stories · discussed at 297 council meetings · 33 councils

Councils are implementing new traffic schemes and regulations to improve air quality, while scrutinising existing measures and major infrastructure projects.

Hammersmith and Fulham Council is introducing new traffic schemes to reduce out-of-borough cars, aiming to improve air quality, as announced in October 2026. In the same month, Newham Council approved a 24-hour bus lane on Romford Road as part of a wider scheme to enhance air quality and sustainable travel. Croydon Council's Cabinet also approved a new Transport and Parking Strategy in October 2026.

Lewisham Council approved commencing the statutory process to establish a borough-wide smoke control area in September 2026, including regulations for moored vessels. Also in September 2026, Barking and Dagenham Council's Controlled Parking Zone strategy faced scrutiny over its socioeconomic impact and the methodology used for air quality data. Richmond upon Thames Council formally objected to the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement in August 2026, citing air quality concerns.

Kingston upon Thames Council began a trial school street scheme in September 2026 to improve air quality and road safety for pupils. Lewisham Council also approved a £107 million contract for electric vehicle charging points across the borough in September 2026. Haringey Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on 26 October 2026.

Key facts

  1. Hammersmith and Fulham Council is introducing new traffic schemes to improve air quality, as announced in October 2026. Source
  2. Newham Council approved a 24-hour bus lane on Romford Road in October 2026, part of a scheme to enhance air quality. Source
  3. Lewisham Council approved commencing the process to establish a borough-wide smoke control area in September 2026. Source
  4. Barking and Dagenham Council's CPZ strategy faced scrutiny over air quality data methodology in September 2026. Source
  5. Richmond upon Thames Council formally objected to the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement in August 2026, citing air quality. Source
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 23 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 4

  1. New legislation forces changes to Hackney planning decisions Hackney Council is preparing to significantly reform its planning decision-making processes in line with new national legislation, the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025,... Hackney 25 July 2026
  2. City of London Approves Third Dockless Cycle Hire Operator, Voi, with Revised Operator Agreements The City of London has approved the addition of a third dockless cycle hire operator, Voi, to operate within the Square Mile. The decision was made during a meeting of the... City of London 23 July 2026
  3. Council adopts new markets and street trading policy Hammersmith and Fulham Council has officially adopted a new policy to regulate markets and street trading, aiming to foster a more vibrant, consistent, and safe trading... Hammersmith and Fulham 19 July 2026
  4. Hackney to insource Family Group Conferencing Hackney Council's Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee has agreed to bring the Family Group Conferencing (FGC) service back in-house, creating a new Family Led Decision... Hackney 19 July 2026
  5. Lewisham Council to Improve Corporate Enquiries System Lewisham Council is undertaking a comprehensive project to enhance its corporate enquiries system, aiming to create a more modern, integrated, and resident-focused service. The... Lewisham 17 July 2026
  6. Better Care Fund misses targets for reducing hospital delays Richmond upon Thames' Better Care Fund (BCF) has fallen short of its targets for reducing hospital delays and admissions to residential care in the 2025-26 reporting period. The... Richmond upon Thames 17 July 2026
  7. Council Communications Team boosts engagement by 41% Richmond upon Thames Council's Communications Team has achieved a significant 41% increase in social media impressions over the past year, a testament to their enhanced... Richmond upon Thames 17 July 2026
  8. Richmond Council's Corporate Plan Reveals Mixed Performance in Key Service Areas Richmond upon Thames Council's Corporate Plan for 2025/26 has revealed a mixed bag of performance results, with some areas showing significant improvement while others lag... Richmond upon Thames 17 July 2026