Let's clear the air: the air in Redbridge is getting cleaner!
Published: 23 June 2025
A new report unveiled by Redbridge Council has revealed that nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels have decreased by 40% since 2018, indicating a significant improvement in air quality in the borough.
The report further identifies that 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).
The report is produced annually as part of statutory requirements. This significant achievement is a testament to the intense local action and the collaborative efforts with the Greater London Authority (GLA), Transport for London (TfL), and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and is further supported by Redbridge’s We Care for Our Air campaign, a DEFRA-funded project that has played an important role in raising awareness and encouraging community involvement in tackling air pollution.
Local initiatives such as 26 School Streets, a growing electric council fleet, and stricter planning controls have been central to the borough's progress.
Cllr Jo Blackman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, said: "This is a huge step forward for Redbridge. People in Redbridge can enjoy cleaner and healthier air, reducing the risk of respiratory diseases and improving overall quality of life.
"Clean air is essential for our communities, and through strong partnerships with key stakeholders in central and regional government, as well as bold local action, we're delivering meaningful change. We remain committed to going even further in the years ahead and making our air cleaner for people now and future generations. We are deeply grateful for our neighbours' support and collaboration in this journey."
Redbridge Council will now submit the 2024 Air Quality Report (ASR) to the Greater London Authority (GLA) for formal review and begin work on its next Air Quality Action Plan (2026–2031), aligning future actions with World Health Organisation (WHO) standards and the borough's Net Zero targets. Once approved, the 2024 report will be published on our website.
The 2023 Redbridge Air Quality Annual Status Report is available online.
