Issue

Air Quality

76 stories · discussed at 244 council meetings · 32 councils

Councils are currently addressing air quality through vehicle emission controls, active travel schemes, and smoke control measures.

In September 2026, Barking and Dagenham councillors scrutinised the methodology for measuring air quality improvements from a proposed Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) expansion, questioning if permit data alone proves pollution reduction. Kingston upon Thames Council also began a trial school street scheme to improve air quality, and Greenwich Council backed active travel vouchers for children.

Lewisham Council approved a £107 million contract for electric vehicle charging points in September 2026 and is establishing a borough-wide smoke control area, including for moored vessels. Richmond Council formally objected to the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement in August 2026, citing air quality concerns.

Tower Hamlets Council approved revised parking fees in July 2026, with increases for higher-emission vehicles. In July 2026, Havering Council called for greater transparency and reinvestment of Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) revenue. Upcoming meetings in October 2026 for Croydon, Hackney, Westminster, Lambeth, and Hillingdon are scheduled to discuss this topic.

Key facts

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

Stories, page 2

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. Council approves revised parking fees Tower Hamlets Council's Cabinet has approved revised parking fees and charges aimed at managing demand and enhancing the financial sustainability of the parking service. The... Tower Hamlets 31 July 2026
  8. Council approves £30k bus route changes for Heartlands Haringey Council's Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Councillor Gio Iozzi, has approved changes to bus routes serving the new Heartlands development in Wood Green, at a cost of... Haringey 27 July 2026