Air Quality Action Plan
Councils are advancing plans to improve air quality, with Lewisham establishing a smoke control area and Richmond upon Thames progressing transport initiatives.
Lewisham Council's Mayor and Cabinet approved starting the process to establish a single, updated smoke control area across the borough in September 2026. This decision aims to revoke existing orders and include regulations for smoke emissions from moored vessels, aligning with Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs guidance. Separately, Richmond upon Thames Council's Transport and Air Quality Committee approved a further phase of the School Streets programme and the development of a new Walking and Cycling Strategy in September 2026.
Air Quality Action Plans are policies developed by various councils, including Richmond upon Thames, Newham, Redbridge, and Westminster, to address air pollution within their boroughs. These plans outline measures and strategies to improve air quality, often over specific timeframes, and are sometimes mandated by frameworks like the Mayor of London's Local Air Quality Management.
Key facts
- Lewisham Council's Mayor and Cabinet approved starting the process for a borough-wide smoke control area on 09 September 2026. 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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.