Tower Hamlets cuts air pollution by almost 40% as award-winning action delivers results

Tower Hamlets has achieved a 37.6% reduction in nitrogen dioxide pollution since 2019, demonstrating the success of the council's programme to create a cleaner, healthier borough for residents. 

New air quality monitoring data shows that 95 of 96 monitoring sites across the borough met the national annual air quality objective of 40µg/m³ in 2025. Only one monitoring location recorded levels above the target, while nearby residential properties remained within the national standard. 

The achievement comes as the council receives the prestigious Breathe London Local Authority Leadership Award, recognising its innovative and effective approach to tackling air pollution. 

A key driver of this success has been an integrated anti-idling programme led by the council's Regulatory Services Pollution Team, combining education, engagement and enforcement to encourage lasting behavioural change. 

The programme has delivered significant impact across the borough, including: 

• Installation of 400 anti-idling signs 

• 223 targeted enforcement patrols 

• Engagement with more than 800 drivers 

• Air quality workshops delivered to 239 school pupils 

• A social media campaign reaching over 15,000 people 

The initiative has led to 70% of surveyed residents reconsidering their engine-idling behaviour and contributed to a 19% to 27% reduction in nitrogen dioxide levels at two monitored schools. 

The council has also invested heavily in wider environmental improvements, including: 

• Installation of 1,250 electric vehicle charging points 

• Transitioning council fleet vehicles to electric alternatives 

• Planting 2,193 trees across streets, parks and housing estates throughout Tower Hamlets 

Councillor Shafi Ahmed, Cabinet Member for a Clean and Green Borough, said: 

"Our children and residents deserve to live without the dangers of air pollution, which is why reducing pollution across Tower Hamlets remains a key priority for the council. 

"Air pollution affects not only people's health but also our local environment and wildlife. Tackling it requires a collective effort, and we are proud of the progress we have made together. 

"I am delighted to see our integrated approach of education, engagement and enforcement delivering such positive results. This achievement reflects the hard work of our officers and the support of residents who have embraced the campaign. 

"While there is more to do, these results demonstrate that our actions are making a real difference. We will continue working with communities, schools and businesses to keep pollution levels low and help create a cleaner, greener borough for everyone."