Richmond Council sets sights on UK’s most ambitious air quality target

Air quality in Richmond upon Thames has improved dramatically since 2019, with a 50% drop in one of the main pollutants, and we have no plans to stop there.

"We simply won't compromise on health of our residents - poor air quality is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK, which is why I am proud to propose that Richmond adopts the most stretching air quality targets anywhere in the country”, says Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Chair of Richmond Council’s Transport and Air Quality Committee.

“We’ve achieved a lot as a borough in the past five years. I want to thank our residents for this. As a Council we have introduced innovative and London-leading initiatives to reduce the Council’s emissions and support our residents to make their own changes in easy and affordable ways, but our success is down to people’s everyday commitment to creating a healthier borough.

“Our record of achievement speaks for itself and now it’s time to look at what we do next; setting more ambitious targets than we are obliged to, driving us to be bigger and bolder to build on the progress we have made so far.”

We have set a new goal for air quality, guided by medical advice from the World Health Organisation. This has been built on 10 years of research and sets acceptable air pollution levels at around 75% lower than UK standards. Our new objectives move towards achieving these levels, to get air pollution well below the UK's unsafe limits. The EU is currently planning to adopt the same approach.

The activities and initiatives we propose to meet these new targets are set out in a new Action Plan for 2024 to 29, which local people can now have a say on.

“These are bold targets, so we need bold ideas and that is what we have committed to in this plan”, says Cllr Ehmann. “There is lots in there that builds on everything we have done so far, with more to support active travel, more EV charging points, more cycle infrastructure, new school streets; but there are also things we want to do that put Richmond a cut above others. Please take time to have a look at the plan, which is presented in an easy and digestible format, and let us know what you think.”

The two main sources of pollution that we and individuals can impact, are nitrogen dioxide (NO2) generated by combustion, especially road transport and heating, and particulate matter which is fine dust mainly from smoke, road wear and construction. These are the focus of Richmond’s Air Quality Action Plan.

Since 2018 we have successfully reduced NO2 air pollution to within UK Government target limits in all but two locations (compared to 41 in 2016). This has been done by:

• Putting in place 17 school streets  
• Introducing the Good Move Scheme, financially supporting residents make the transition from cars   
• 5,300 local people, including 11 schools, signing an anti-idling pledge, with enforcement officers encouraging people to turn their engines off at hot-spots  
• Becoming a leader in cargo bike infrastructure with nine community cargo bikes, a Try Before You Bike scheme and dedicated cargo bike parking bays  
• Improving cycling infrastructure, including new cycle lanes, investment in a new cycle hub in Richmond, and on-street bike hangars   
• Installing 945 EV charging points to support over 5,000 residents and businesses moving to electric cars and vans  
• Trailing e-bike and e-scooter services

We have also bolstered our ongoing air quality monitoring by joining an internet of things pilot, installing innovative sensors to use data to improve understanding of the impacts of traffic on air quality. This has produced even more detailed data and insights, on which we have built the new plan. Amongst the most innovative actions we have set out are:  

• The aim to fine for engine idling through Public Space Protection Order powers  
• To use our position as a UK leader on reducing machinery emissions to work with the GLA to implement air quality requirements for construction machinery and other equipment   
• To work with TfL to lobby the government for funding to increase the electrification of bus routes in our borough  
• To pilot a rating and award scheme for restaurants and commercial kitchens to highlight their progress in reducing emissions
• To work with the NHS South West London cluster to develop an education programme on outdoor and indoor air quality for medical professionals and their patients

Councillor Piers Allen, Chair of Richmond’s Health and Wellbeing Board, said “I’m delighted to see health and public health absolutely at the heart of this action plan, with a particular focus on those most vulnerable to poor air quality. We need to help people understand how they can reduce their exposure and protect themselves. This is especially important for young children, whose health can be affected for life by high pollution exposure when young. This plan includes a strategic, place-led approach to achieving results for our vulnerable residents and I look forward to working with our local healthcare partners to deliver this.”

We are seeking residents feedback on the draft Air Quality Action Plan, through the online consultation. The consultation closes on Monday 20 January 2025.

Read the Air Quality Action Plan for 2024 to 2029.