Redbridge Air Quality Action Plan (2027-32)
Let’s Talk About Air Quality in Redbridge
Clean air matters. It affects everyone residents, workers, commuters and visitors alike. That’s why improving air quality across Redbridge is a top priority for the Council. While poor air quality is a challenge across London, we have already seen improvements locally through initiatives such as the Mayor of London’s Low Emission Zone and Ultra Low Emission Zone.
We are now inviting you to have your say on Redbridge’s updated Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) for 2027–2032. The draft Action Plan is available and you can access a copy of the document under the 'Key Documents' section on the right hand side of this page. Further information can also be found on our website Pollution.
This plan sets out the actions the Council will take over the next five years to tackle air pollution and protect public health. Our focus is on reducing harmful air pollutants, including Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) and Particulate Matter (PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅). These pollutants mainly come from road traffic, but also from other sources such as construction activity, wood burning, domestic heating and industry.
Since 2003, the entire borough has been designated an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) for NO₂ and PM₁₀.
Since 2003, due to actions by the Council and its partners, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels have decreased by 40% since 2018, indicating a significant improvement in air quality in the borough.
Also PM2.5 (particulate matter) levels have been cut in half compared to the 2028 target and remain well below national standards and World Health Organisation guidance.
These notable improvements, captured in the Air Quality Annual Status Report for 2024, show that all monitored sites across the borough are now meeting national legal limits for key pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), PM10, and PM2.5 (particulate matter). Redbridge ASR 2024
While Redbridge is currently meeting national objectives for these pollutants, we are working towards lower concentrations, in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline values, particularly for fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅).
Improving air quality is closely linked to a range of Council responsibilities, including transport, planning and development, public health, and awareness‑raising. Many actions that improve air quality can also bring wider benefits, such as healthier streets, greener neighbourhoods, and more efficient homes and buildings.
This consultation gives you the opportunity to share your views on:
- Local air quality issues and priorities
- Proposed actions in the draft Air Quality Action Plan
- The role of planning and development in protecting air quality
- How air quality actions can align with and support wider climate change and energy efficiency objectives
We will also be offering drop in sessions if you wish to come and speak to officers in person and share your views on how we can improve the draft Action Plan. Drop in sessions will be delivered on the following dates/times:
- Kenneth More Theatre Foyer, Thursday 16th July 2026 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Wanstead Library, Monday 3rd August 2026 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Redbridge Central Library, Wednesday 5th August 2026 from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Your feedback will help shape the final Air Quality Action Plan before it is adopted. The final plan will also be subject to ongoing review, appraisal and reporting to both the Greater London Authority (GLA) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Please note: Climate change mitigation and carbon reduction are addressed through Redbridge’s separate Climate Change Strategy (2026-30). While the Council recognises there are strong links between air quality, climate change and energy use, this consultation focuses specifically on improving local air quality and reducing people’s exposure to the air pollutants NO₂, PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅.
