Air quality
Local authorities have a statutory duty to review and assess local air quality, under the Environment Act 1995, and through the Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) framework, regulated by Defra.
The LAQM requires local authorities to submit an Annual Status Report to Defra, summarising the status of air quality during the previous 12 months, and the progress of measures put in place to reduce pollution. The LAQM framework also places a duty on local authorities to declare Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) where pollutant concentrations exceed national objectives. Links to our Annual Status Reports since 2008, and information on our AQMAs can be found below.
Historically, the main pollutant of concern in West Oxfordshire has been nitrogen dioxide (NO2) associated with road traffic exhausts, particularly where there is congestion and idling vehicles. Our air quality monitoring has targeted this pollutant, using a diffusion tube network across the district and focusing on residential housing located near busy roads and junctions.
For more information on diffusion tubes and air pollution across Oxfordshire please visit Oxfordshire’s dedicated air quality website https://www.oxonair.uk/. More information on air quality and monitoring across the UK can be found at https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/ .
Air quality reports
We produce Annual Status Reports on air quality within West Oxfordshire. These provide an overview of air quality, consider the latest air quality monitoring data and update progress on actions to improve air quality.
We compile these reports in accordance with the Local Air Quality Monitoring (LAQM) Policy and Technical Guidance and submit them to Defra. You can download recent reports below.
Air Quality Annual Report 2024 - pdf - 4.07 Mb
Air quality management areas
Historically, two areas within West Oxfordshire haven’t met National Air Quality Standards for nitrogen dioxide (NO2). These areas were centred around:
- Bridge Street, Witney
- Horsefair and High Street, Chipping Norton
These areas were declared Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) in 2005 and have since seen a gradual reduction in nitrogen dioxide. Since 2020, nitrogen dioxide concentrations, in both areas, have been below the national objective.
Public consultation on Witney & Chipping Norton Air Quality Action Plans
The Air Quality Action Plan, covering the Air Quality Management Areas in Witney and Chipping Norton, describes the current status of air quality in both locations, as well as current and future measures the District and County Councils have in place to improve air quality. The Plan was approved by the West Oxfordshire District Council’s Executive Committee on September 11 2024.
We can all help improve the quality of the air we breathe with simple actions such as not using cars for short journeys, not burning wood and other solid fuels unless absolutely necessary to keep warm. By taking such actions, not only will we reduce air pollution, but we will also improve our health and help reverse climate change. To find out more about what you can do, visit Oxfordshire’s Air Quality website Oxonair
The Action Plan will be updated annually, so we welcome any comments or suggestions you may have – just pop them on an email to our customer services email address (customer.services@westoxon.gov.uk), with ‘Air Quality Action Plan’ as the subject. We look for to hearing from you!