’’Oxford City Council has approved a new Air Quality Action Plan, committing to achieving a local annual mean nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) target of 20 μg/m³ by 2030. An ambition which has been dubbed ’20 by 30′
The target aligns with World Health Organization recommendations and the latest EU Air Quality Directive. It represents a significant tightening of the previous ’30 by 25′ goal set in 2021.
Oxford has already made substantial progress. Since 2014, NO₂ levels have fallen by 52%, with a 25% reduction since the last action plan was published. In June, the council will release its annual status report, confirming whether the 2025 data shows the ’30 by 25′ target has been met.
The new plan, covering 2026 – 2030, builds on work including the rollout of 159 electric buses, expansion of EV charging infrastructure, Europe’s most powerful charging hub at Redbridge, the world’s first Zero Emission Zone, and a citywide Smoke Control Area.
It sets out 30 targeted actions across four priority areas: promoting active travel and reducing car dependency; accelerating the shift to low and zero emission transport; cutting emissions from domestic heating, industry, and services; and raising public awareness.
Developed in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council, the plan has been formally signed off by Defra.
A five-week public consultation drew 125 responses, with 71% supporting the new 20 µg/m³ target. Perceptions of air quality have also improved: 52% of residents said air quality had got better over the past five years, and 29% reported improvements in cycling space. However, only 42% felt well-informed about the health impacts of pollution, which the council say highlights the need for continued engagement.
Councillor Anna Railton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Zero Carbon Oxford said: ‘Clean air is not a luxury – it is a basic right. While we have made huge progress over the past decade, we know there is no safe level of air pollution. Even lower levels continue to harm people’s health.
‘In 2021, Oxford led the way by setting the UK’s first local air pollution reduction target. We are now building on that success by adopting an even more ambitious ‘20 by 30’ target, aligned with WHO guidance as well as the new EU standards.
‘This Action Plan ensures we continue to go further and faster – protecting residents’ health, reducing inequalities, and creating a cleaner, healthier Oxford for everyone who lives in, works in and visits our city.’
Photo: James Coleman
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