From market stall to clean air success story: how a London food market cut harmful pollution by 83%, without expensive building works, through smart diagnosis by the Council and private-sector remediation.

Clean Air, Strong Starts is a programme designed to raise awareness among expectant parents and caregivers of children under five about the shared causes, impacts, and solutions to air pollution and climate change. It provides simple, practical tips that help families reduce exposure and improve health.

London’s bus fleet is going green! Over 1,800 electric buses and 12 Low Emission Bus Zones, including Putney High Street, are cutting harmful emissions. By 2030, every London bus will be zero-emission—cleaner air and healthier streets for all.

Engine idling near schools and busy hotspots adds harmful nitrogen dioxide and particulates to the air. Councils run monthly anti-idling events at school gates, crossings, and transport hubs, engaging drivers with health advice and fuel-saving tips. Supported by the Pan-London Idling Project, these campaigns aim to make idling socially unacceptable and reduce pollution where children and pedestrians are most exposed.

The Healthy Waterways initiative brings together 15 London boroughs and partners to cut air pollution along canals and rivers. Working with boaters, it tackles emissions from diesel and solid fuels through awareness campaigns and a long-term strategy for cleaner air and sustainable waterways.

Wandsworth’s Clean Air Schools Accreditation (CASA) programme supports schools in reducing local air pollution and promoting active travel. Schools achieve Bronze, Silver, or Gold by completing actions such as anti-idling campaigns, School Streets, and sustainable travel initiatives. The scheme offers air quality assessments, guidance, and a menu of eligible activities, raising awareness among pupils and parents. Already St Boniface RC Primary has earned a Gold Award, as had St Mary’s RC Primary who are leading a School Superzone and air filters. CASA will soon expand to Merton, starting with schools most affected by pollution.

LB Richmond upon Thames plans to introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to tackle persistent engine idling in high-risk areas such as school streets and transport hubs. The measure empowers officers to issue fines as a last resort, complementing behaviour-change campaigns and supporting Richmond’s commitment to reducing emissions and improving air quality across London.

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) operates across all London boroughs, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It was introduced to reduce harmful vehicle emissions and improve air quality. Vehicles that do not meet the required emissions standards must pay a daily charge, encouraging cleaner transport and helping to protect public health. Since its expansion in 2023, it has dramatically reduced harmful pollutants, helping protect health and make London’s air safer for everyone.

Wood burning is now one of the biggest sources of harmful air pollution in London. It contributes around 15% of the city’s PM₂.₅ emissions, tiny particles that can damage lungs, trigger asthma, and even increase risks of heart disease and dementia. The London Wood Burning Project brings boroughs together to raise awareness, support enforcement, and help residents choose cleaner alternatives to domestic wood burning.

The Mayor of London set up the School Filters Programme in February 2024 with £2.7 million funding to improve air quality in classrooms across more than 200 schools.

Since 2019, the Cleaner Construction for London team has worked with contractors and suppliers to audit over 3,700 sites. Specialist inspectors visit construction sites and have directly assessed more than 10,000 machines.