Izzy Lepone 28 October 2025

Council reveals ‘substantial tightening’ of air quality target

Council reveals ‘substantial tightening’ of air quality target image
© Michael715 / Shutterstock.com.

Oxford City Council has announced plans to establish a new air quality target.

The decision to change its nitrogen dioxide target from 30 µg/m³ to 20 µg/m³ by 2030 is part of the local authority’s Air Quality Action Plan 2026-2030.

Cabinet members were presented with the draft plan at a meeting last Wednesday, during which they were asked to approve the proposals for public consultation.

While acknowledging that the new target ‘marks a substantial tightening’ compared to the legal limit of 40 µg/m³ in the UK, the council report emphasises that its aims are ‘fully aligned with the World Health Organisation’s Interim Target II and the European Union’s recently adopted legal standard’.

‘By taking this step, Oxford City Council reinforces its commitment to clean air and sends a clear message about the importance of going beyond mere legal compliance’, the report reads.

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