Working together for clean air

More electric refuse trucks will come on stream in the next few months as the council moves to a zero emissions fleet. We're also working in partnership to lower emissions from transport and shipping in and around Shoreham Port.

Local actions for clean air reinforce national campaigns such as Clean Air Night on 24 January. This year the campaign is raising awareness of the health, financial and climate implications of domestic wood burning which contributes to smoke from domestic chimneys in the winter.

Brighton & Hove has 5 smoke control areas, and the council will be looking at ways to identify actions and potential enforcement.

Expanding air quality monitoring

Councillor Tim Rowkins, chair of the Environment, South Downs and the Sea Committee, said: “We’re rolling out expanded particulate monitoring and combining this and other data to inform a methodical and evidence-led approach to improving air quality.

“Air pollution is the largest environmental risk to public health, so it is vitally important that we match actions to the most polluted areas where they will have real impact. In 2024, reducing emissions from transport and buildings will be a key focus to improve air quality and deliver one of the council’s priority actions.”

Our air quality initiatives

Measures to tackle air quality in the city moved up a gear last year with a major funding bid submitted for zero emission buses.

Brighton & Hove Buses have upgraded the vehicles they operate that pass through the bus Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Almost all (95%)  of bus routes pass through the zone, which runs between Castle Square and Palmeira Square, spreading the clean air benefits from the ULEZ across the city. As a minimum, all buses meet the highest euro six standards for diesel engines.

Other initiatives include:

  • Providing more affordable and accessible services through our ambitious Bus Service Improvement Plan
  • Introducing red routes and junction upgrades to improve traffic flow on main city routes
  • Encouraging electric vehicle uptake with many more EV charging points
  • Introducing a £40 fine for drivers leaving their vehicle’s engine idling unnecessarily when parked
  • Promoting active travel through connected cycle and walking routes as part of our commitment to the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan

School Streets schemes, which working with local communities help reduce congestion and air pollution outside schools, are due to be expanded to St Paul’s, Fairlight and Saltdean primary schools this year and an active travel scheme will be introduced on the A23 – an air pollution hotspot.

Targeted action

Councillor Trevor Muten, chair of the Transport & Sustainability Committee said: “We are taking the air quality challenge seriously. Cleaning up transport and travel is an essential part of that – from making public transport a more affordable, accessible and attractive travel option, to providing electric vehicle infrastructure and effective active travel schemes.

“Our programme of targeted data-led action will drive the change that is needed to protect the health of residents.”

By making a few small adjustments, everyone can help reduce air pollution and the damage it causes to health.

How you can help

More information about Clean Air Night.

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