Issue

Air Quality

78 stories · discussed at 251 council meetings · 32 councils

Councils are currently discussing transport policies to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality, alongside measures to control domestic smoke.

In September 2026, Kingston upon Thames Council began a trial School Street scheme to improve air quality around Robin Hood Primary School. Barking and Dagenham councillors questioned the methodology for measuring air quality improvements from Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) expansion in September 2026. Richmond Council formally objected to the Heathrow expansion in August 2026, citing significant concerns over air quality.

Lewisham Council approved a £107 million contract for electric vehicle (EV) charging points and began the process to establish a borough-wide smoke control area in September 2026, aiming to improve air quality. Tower Hamlets Council approved revised emissions-based parking fees in July 2026, targeting higher-emission vehicles. Havering Council also called for greater transparency and reinvestment of Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) revenue in July 2026.

The Harrow Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel is scheduled to meet on 20 October 2026, where discussions related to traffic and road safety may impact air quality. Air quality refers to the condition of the air in terms of its purity and the presence of pollutants, affecting public health and the environment.

Key facts

  1. Kingston upon Thames Council began a trial School Street scheme in September 2026 to improve air quality. Source
  2. Barking and Dagenham councillors questioned the methodology for measuring air quality improvements from CPZ expansion in September 2026. Source
  3. Lewisham Council approved a £107 million contract for electric vehicle charging points in September 2026. Source
  4. Lewisham Council began the statutory process to establish a borough-wide smoke control area in September 2026. Source
  5. Richmond Council formally objected to the Heathrow expansion in August 2026, citing air quality concerns. Source 1 Source 2
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 15 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 2

  1. Robin Hood Primary School Street Scheme trial begins A trial scheme to restrict traffic outside Robin Hood Primary School has begun, aiming to improve air quality and road safety for pupils. Kingston upon Thames 16 September 2026
  2. Lewisham Council approves £107m EV charging contract Lewisham Council has approved a £107 million contract for the installation, operation, and maintenance of electric vehicle (EV) charging points across the borough, marking a... Lewisham 10 September 2026
  3. Lewisham Council to establish borough-wide smoke control area Lewisham Council has taken a significant step towards improving air quality across the borough by approving the commencement of the statutory process to establish a single,... Lewisham 10 September 2026
  4. Petts Wood extension refused by council A proposed side and rear extension at 1 Ryecroft Road, Petts Wood, Orpington, has been refused planning permission by Bromley Council's Plans Sub-Committee No. 1. Bromley 19 August 2026
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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