Air Quality
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
- Kingston upon Thames Council began a trial School Street scheme in September 2026 to improve air quality. Source
- Barking and Dagenham councillors questioned the methodology for measuring air quality improvements from CPZ expansion in September 2026. Source
- Lewisham Council approved a £107 million contract for electric vehicle charging points in September 2026. Source
- Lewisham Council began the statutory process to establish a borough-wide smoke control area in September 2026. Source
- 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.