Issue

Air Quality

78 stories · discussed at 252 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 10

  1. Bexley Expands Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure with 90 New Charging Points and Funding Bids Bexley is set to significantly expand its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure with the installation of 90 new charging points across the borough. The 90 additional... Bexley 21 July 2025
  2. Ealing Council to Procure EV Charge Points Across Six Boroughs Ealing Council is set to procure electric vehicle (EV) charge points across six London boroughs, aiming to boost sustainable transport and improve air quality. Ealing 20 July 2025
  3. Petition to Ban BBQs in Waterlow Park Debated Camden's Culture and Environment Scrutiny Committee has reviewed a petition calling for a permanent ban on charcoal barbecues in Waterlow Park, a popular green space in... Camden 20 July 2025
  4. Mill Hill Car Park to Become 130 New Homes A former car park in Mill Hill will be transformed into 130 new homes after Barnet Council's Strategic Planning Committee approved the application. The development, located at... Barnet 20 July 2025
  5. Lambeth Considers Extending Car-Free Days Across the Borough Lambeth Council is exploring the possibility of expanding its successful Car-Free Days programme to more areas across the borough, aiming to bring benefits to residents,... Lambeth 17 July 2025
  6. Rowlls Road Parking Removal Approved After Developer's Error Kingston Council has approved the removal of on-street parking on Rowlls Road following premature action by a developer working on the Cambridge Road Estate (CRE). The decision,... Kingston upon Thames 9 July 2025