Air pollution

Air quality information & reports

Review and Assessment of Air Quality

In 1995 the Environment Act set out a method by which local authorities would undertake a Review and Assessment of Air Quality in their areas. This was part of a new system of Local Air Quality Management.

In 1998 the City Council carried out a review of air quality in Westminster and found that the standards for both pollutants were exceeded by up to 92% and 284% respectively. Using computer modelling systems we predicted that unless significant action is taken the standards will not be met by the due dates - 2004 and 2005. The Review and Assessment of the air quality in the City of Westminster led to Westminster being declared an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). The Action Plan sets out the policies and actions the City Council will take over the next 5 years to meet the national standards.

The R&A work was undertaken in several stages:

• A three stage report set against air quality strategy criteria - 1998 (1.25MB) 
• AQMA declaration order - March 1999 (55KB)
• Air Quality Strategy and Action Plan 2001 (983KB)
• Following the AQMA declaration a follow up stage 4 report (570KB) was produced with dispersion modelling data based on the first Londonwide emissions inventory - 2001
• Additional modelling and monitoring work was included in an update to the stage 4 (820KB) work - January 2003
• An updating and screening assessment (559KB) to look at any changes since the original R&A - December 2003
• A progress Report to the Air Quality Action Plan (1.87MB) - April 2004
• Sulphur dioxide in Paddington - Detailed Assessment - April 2005
• Air Quality Review and Action Plan update - July 2005
• Air Quality Progress Report - April 2006

Technical advice on related issues

We have various documents that may help you deal with air quality and pollution issues.

Odour control from kitchens

Chimney height requirements

The Westminster eco-mark for environmentally friendly vehicles

If your business runs vehicles designed to minimise pollution then you should apply for an eco-mark award.