Air Quality Strategy

Air Quality Strategy 2025-2030

The City of London Corporation has long been at the forefront of tackling air pollution. We have been measuring air quality for over 60 years and in 1954, following the infamous London Smogs, we published our own legislation to ban the production of smoke in the City. This paved the way for the national Clean Air Act of 1956.

The form and source of air pollution has changed over time and, though much improved, remains at a level that impacts on health. Twenty years ago, levels of air pollution across the Square Mile were almost three times what they are today. Over that time, we have been taking focussed action through a series of action plans and strategies to improve the quality of the air we breathe.

Our last Air Quality Strategy alone, supported by national and regional action, delivered an average 40% reduction in the pollutants nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter (PM10). The Bank on Safety scheme, and subsequent All Change at Bank scheme, led to an even greater reduction in local levels of nitrogen dioxide of over 50%.

Our latest Air Quality Strategy covers the period 2025 to 2030. The Strategy outlines how we will continue to take action to improve local air quality. We will go beyond our statutory obligation working instead to meet the standards set out in the 2021 World Health Organisation Air Quality Guidelines.

If you have any questions or would like to know more please contact the Air Quality team.