Air quality in Leicester continues to show strong improvement, with 2024 data indicating some of the lowest pollution levels ever recorded at key monitoring sites. For the third consecutive year, the city met all national air quality objectives for NO₂, PM10, and PM2.5.
The city is performing well compared to others in the UK, particularly in terms of sustained reductions in NO₂ and its early compliance with national objectives.
While London and Birmingham have historically exceeded legal NO₂ limits and required clean air zones to meet targets. Leicester’s approach, especially in sustainable transport, has placed it ahead of many cities of similar size in reducing pollution without the need for a charging clean air zone.
Annual average NO₂ levels across Leicester’s five air quality management areas fell to 26 µg/m³ in 2024, well below the national limit of 40 µg/m³. Over the past decade, NO₂ concentrations have decreased by approximately 45% citywide.
Notable improvements include Vaughan Way, down from 51 µg/m³ in 2014 to 33 µg/m³ in 2024, and Glenhills Way, which recorded a citywide low of 19 µg/m³ last year. Other monitored sites have also shown sustained reductions, all now comfortably under the national limit.
Particulate matter remains well within target ranges, with PM10 averaging 17 µg/m³ in 2024, well below the national threshold of 40 µg/m³.
Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment and transport, welcomed the results: ‘Leicester’s consistent compliance with national limits over the past three years reflects the major strides we’ve made through our air quality initiatives. But we’re not done yet—we remain committed to further progress for the health and wellbeing of everyone in the city.’
Last year Leicester launched their Air Quality Action Plan for 2025–2030. Building on the city’s original 2015 plan, the new strategy focuses on five key areas: air quality monitoring and public engagement, sustainable transport, reducing transport emissions, traffic management, and regulatory controls.
Planned measures include expanding the city’s air quality monitoring network, supporting electric bus conversion, investing in active travel infrastructure, and ensuring air quality considerations are fully integrated into planning and regulatory processes.
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