Air quality in West Northamptonshire continues to improve

Breathing in polluted air is one of the biggest environmental risks to health and costs the NHS and our society billions of pounds each year. It can contribute to strokes, asthma, heart disease and lung cancer. It particularly affects the most vulnerable in society, children, the elderly, and those ...

Improving air quality not only has a positive impact on health but makes our towns and villages cleaner and nicer places to live and visit, which benefits everyone.

The report confirms that no locations in West Northamptonshire recorded nitrogen dioxide levels above the national limit - down from one reported last year. 

Thanks to the improvement in air quality, in May, there were four revocations of Air Quality Management Areas in Watling Street, Towcester and Victoria Promenade, Campbell Square, and St Michaels in Northampton, which had met national standards for more than three consecutive years. This marks a major milestone in reducing pollution on some of our busiest roads.

Three AQMAs remain in West Northamptonshire, which are all located in Northampton. This is a significant improvement from the start of 2024 when there were seven AQMAs attributed to nitrogen dioxide. These are outside the Cock Inn on Harborough Road, Bradshaw Street in Northampton, which is close to North Gate Bus Station, and St James. 

These areas will continue to be monitored and if air quality improvement is sustained and complies with the nationally set standards until 2027, WNC will be able to seek to revoke both Bradshaw Street and St James AQMAs.   

A big part of these improvements has been achieved through investing in schemes and initiatives which are designed to reduce air pollution. These schemes include funding for 71 new electric buses, which operate on the busiest routes in Northampton and will assist in improving air quality in Harborough Road, St James, and North Gate Bus Station.

Additionally, a scheme to install more than 3,000 new electric vehicle charging points across the area was launched in summer 2026, supporting more residents who want to switch to cleaner vehicles.

To support healthier homes, a two-year DEFRA-funded project is helping people understand the health risks associated with Particulate Matter (PM), the tiny airborne particles released when fuel is burned, and the impact of domestic solid fuel burning from sources such as wood burning stoves and open fires. The project provides simple, practical advice on choosing cleaner fuels and using appliances more efficiently to reduce exposure to harmful particles and smoke, helping to better protect health inside and outside the home. Residents can find easy-to-follow guidance by searching online for The Burning Question webpage.

Cllr Andrew Last, Cabinet Member for HR, Corporate and Regulatory Services said: “Air quality is one of the biggest environment risks to the health of our local residents and they have told us it’s been a significant concern. We have been working hard to address air quality, and it is great news we have been able to make year-on-year improvements, and DEFRA have approved and accepted the report for 2025.

Cleaner air means healthier families, safer streets and stronger communities. We’re really proud of the progress so far, but we know there is still work to do to improve air quality in several of our communities. We’re committed to continuing to make those improvements so that every resident can enjoy the benefits of cleaner, safer air, now and in the future.”

To check air quality where you live visit the  DEFRA Interactive Dashboard and simply enter your postcode to get started.