The challenge we're facing

Air pollution is our single greatest environmental health challenge. PM2.5 is causing the most significant health problems and premature mortality, particularly affecting those with existing lung conditions, as well as older people, children and babies. At the same time, the most deprived 20% of neighbourhoods have been found to have higher air pollution levels than the least deprived neighbourhoods, making this a critical issue of health inequality.

The challenge facing Britain requires tackling air pollution from all sources – transport, heating, agriculture, and industry – whilst simultaneously delivering climate action. Local authorities know their communities and the challenges they face day-to-day, so can develop solutions that work best in any given area. They have been required to monitor and manage air pollution since 1995, but now face new challenges as particulate matter (PM) is increasingly a major concern which requires more immediate attention.

What's holding us back?

Limited powers on strategic roads

Local authorities cannot enforce Clean Air Zones on National Highways network. Major roads with poor air quality remain outside local control, limiting the effectiveness of place-based solutions.

Reluctance to use charging mechanisms

There is some reluctance to use charging mechanisms available due to the fear of its potential impact on local businesses and political fallout for the authority. This prevents councils from using one of their most effective tools for improving air quality.

Weak national targets

The absence of clear targets from central government to set expectations for local delivery and more ambitious goals for clean air means that opportunities for local action are not always pursued. The proposed PM2.5 target is twice the WHO recommendation with a compliance date of 2040.

Lack of Clean Air Net Zero integration

Most current discussion of clean air in strategies is limited to the transport sector. References to Clean Air in climate plans are largely high-level and focused on the co-benefits, with limited discussion of potential contradictions and trade-offs.

Our recommendations for government

To unlock the potential of local authorities to deliver clean air at pace and scale, we need:

1. Bring forward ambitious PM2.5 targets

Bring forward PM2.5 target to 2030 in line with the WHO's interim guideline and provide local leaders with the powers and funding to meet this target. Establish a longer-term target to meet WHO's updated guideline for PM2.5.

2. Support Clean Air Net Zero approaches

Put in place mechanisms to enable compatible cross-cutting policies that deliver joint solutions to tackle these issues with the pace and scale required. Support local authorities to maximise co-benefits and minimise trade-offs.

3. Expand local authority powers

Enable councils to implement Clean Air Zones on all roads in their area, including strategic road network sections. Remove barriers to charging mechanisms whilst providing support for local businesses to transition.

4. Establish national public awareness campaign

Establish a national public awareness campaign around the health impacts of air pollution and its causes, including domestic wood burning. Positive messaging from national and local leadership is critical to winning public support.

5. Create delivery partnership framework

Establish formal partnerships between local authorities, health services, and other stakeholders to deliver Clean Air Net Zero initiatives at scale, learning from successful models like Birmingham's 'Brum Breathes' campaign.

Progress to date

£1.6 billion - Annual economic benefit to the UK from meeting WHO air quality guidelines

117 - UK100 members commit to meeting tough WHO air pollution standards for PM2.5 by 2030

8+ - Clean Air Zones now operational across England, with revenues reinvested in sustainable transport

Following sustained lobbying efforts from UK100 and the sector, we've successfully influenced national policy development. 

UK100 members commit to meeting tough WHO air pollution standards for PM2.5 by 2030. The local leaders also write to the Government calling on Ministers to match their Clean Air ambition. Now we need to ensure these ambitions translate into effective national frameworks that empower local action.

Local leadership in action

Birmingham's Clean Air Zone

Birmingham City Council's CAZ demonstrates the potential of local leadership in tackling air pollution. Launched in June 2021, with older cars, taxis and HGVs subject to daily charges within the A4540 boundary.

Results achieved:

• Revenues reinvested in active travel, public transport and air quality initiatives
• 'Brum Breathes' engagement campaign focuses on the health benefits of cleaner air, and has been critical in winning support from local people
• Model for integrated approach to clean air and climate action
• Demonstration that charging mechanisms can work with proper community engagement

This shows what's possible when councils are empowered to use all available tools and take a place-based approach that works for their communities.

Leeds' integrated approach

Leeds see many opportunities to deliver simultaneously on both agendas – rarely a conflict. They are aware of the issues; for example the issue that if you move away from fossil fuel powered cars to electric cars, there is still some remaining particulate air pollution from brakes, tyres and road dust, but the overall air pollution is lower.

Key achievements:

• WHO air quality limits adopted by 2030
• Electric vehicle fleet development for council operations
• 'Every Breath You Take' conference engaging 150 medical professionals
• Comprehensive transport strategy linking clean air and climate goals

Join our campaign

Help us ensure the government puts local authorities in the driving seat to deliver clean air and thriving places in every community across the UK.