Air pollution isn’t just an abstract environmental issue. In London, it’s a lived reality that affects everything from childhood asthma rates to how well we sleep at night. But it’s not all doom and gloom - change is happening, fast. And we all have a role to play.
In this blog, we’ll explore how London’s air quality has evolved, what’s improving, where we still need work - and how you can be part of the solution.
How Bad Is London’s Air in 2025?
Let’s start with the facts.
In 2024, London breached World Health Organisation limits for PM2.5 - the tiny particles that penetrate deep into our lungs - across several boroughs. Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), largely from diesel traffic, continues to exceed legal limits in hotspots like Marylebone Road and Brixton Road.
That said, levels of toxic air have dropped significantly over the last decade, particularly in central areas. Thanks to schemes like the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which expanded to all London boroughs in 2023, harmful NO₂ emissions have reduced by up to 50% in some areas.
What’s Being Done - and Is It Working?
The ULEZ expansion has been the single biggest driver of cleaner air in recent years, removing over 77,000 non-compliant vehicles from London’s roads each day.
Meanwhile, the city has:
- Introduced more Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs)
- Rolled out zero-emissions buses
- Seen a huge surge in cycling and walking, aided by improved infrastructure
- Expanded the electric vehicle charging network (now the largest in Europe)
Other policy moves like School Streets, car-free days, and air quality alerts are also shifting public behaviour and awareness.
Health Impacts: Why This Matters
Even with progress, air pollution is still the single biggest environmental threat to health in the UK. In London, it contributes to around 4,000 premature deaths every year and has been linked to increased risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and developmental issues in children.
Studies have shown that residents of deprived areas and ethnic minority communities are often the most affected - highlighting the need for equitable clean air strategies.
How Does London Compare to Other Cities?
Compared to major cities like Paris, Rome, or Berlin, London is relatively advanced in its policy rollout - particularly with ULEZ and public transport electrification. But cities like Stockholm and Oslo - with lower car ownership and greener grids - still lead the way in air quality outcomes.
On a global scale, London ranks far better than heavily polluted megacities like Delhi or Beijing, but it still lags behind other major Western capitals in meeting WHO clean air standards.
What Can Londoners Do to Help?
Clean air isn't just the government's responsibility - there are loads of ways we can reduce our personal impact and help push things forward:
✅ Ditch short car journeys - walk, cycle or take public transport
✅ Go electric if you’re driving - and use car clubs instead of owning
✅ Work from home when you can to reduce commuting
✅ Support green businesses and local initiatives
✅ Use air quality apps like CityAir or Plume Labs to plan low-pollution routes
✅ Talk about it - raising awareness is half the battle
What’s Next for London?
The Mayor’s 2030 target is for London to meet WHO guidelines for air pollution across the board - a goal that hinges on big investments in public transport, greener buildings, and reducing dependency on private vehicles.
It’s ambitious. But as we’ve seen, policy works when backed by public support and behaviour change.
Final Thoughts
London’s air still needs cleaning up - but compared to even five years ago, we’re breathing easier.
As we mark Clean Air Day 2025, it’s worth remembering that every commute, every conversation, and every local decision adds up. Whether you’re a landlord improving insulation, a parent switching to school runs on foot, or a business supporting cycle-to-work schemes - we all play a part in building a healthier London.
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