NO2 in London’s Square Mile has fallen by 42% since 2016

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels in the Square Mile have dropped by 42% since 2016, according to new figures by the City of London Corporation. 

The statistics, confirmed by air quality monitors at Beech Street, The Aldgate school and Walbrook Wharf, show a year-on-year improvement over the last five years.

According to the City of London Corporation, this is due to a range of air quality measures in place and the response to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Square Mile air quality is expected to improve further, helped by the City Corporation’s Air Quality Strategy, which aims for over 90% of the City to meet the 2005 World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for nitrogen dioxide by 2025. 

The data was revealed as the city’s Port Health and Environmental Services Committee agreed to commission new research to help cut city particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution further, following new guidelines published by the WHO in September. 

The City Corporation will use the research findings to develop new air quality plans to reduce local sources of the pollutant.

Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Environmental Services Committee, Keith Bottomley, said: ‘These statistics show a very welcome improvement in air quality but there is still a lot of work to do.

‘Air pollution remains a public health crisis in the capital, and the latest WHO guidelines show that it has a greater impact on health than previously thought.

‘Our plans are focused on continued improvement in air quality year on year.

‘We will take bold and practical actions to eradicate toxic air, raise community awareness and reduce exposure in the Square Mile and City and wider London.’