Air quality in Newham

The Air Quality Action Plan aims to reduce air pollution and protect people, especially children, older adults, and those with health problems. It will do this by:

• Sharing clear information
• Working with local people and groups
• Teaching about air pollution
• Taking practical steps to reduce pollution

The plan will work with schools, health services, and community groups to give support that fits different cultures and needs.

People will get better access to air quality information and can join in activities like clean-up days and campaigns to walk, cycle, and live in a more eco-friendly way. Schools will play a big role by teaching students about the environment and encouraging walking or cycling to school.

Indoor air quality will be improved by teaching people about good ventilation and using low-pollution materials in schools, workplaces, and homes. Near schools and hospitals, the plan includes air quality checks, planting trees, and better transport options like the “Healthy School Streets” programme.

Newham will improve how it checks air pollution by:

• Keeping current air sensors working
• Adding new sensors in areas with more pollution when required

People will be able to see real-time air quality data using apps like Air Aware and airText, which helps those with health issues make safer choices.

The plan also encourages people to set up their own air sensors when possible. This helps raise awareness and adds more useful data. All this information will help the council make better decisions and share air quality updates with the public.

Newham wants to reduce pollution from building works and machinery. It will do this by:

• Requiring builders to use dust control methods like spraying water and putting up barriers
• Asking for detailed plans that show how they will reduce pollution
• Advising on limiting machinery work hours during busy traffic times or when air quality is poor
• Advising developers to use low-pollution vehicles and follow anti-idling rules (no running engines when not moving).
• Encourage delivery consolidation or planning better, using electric vehicles or bikes for the final part of the journey.

For machinery such as cranes and diggers, Newham will require the latest low-emission models and follow London’s rules. Electric or hybrid machines will be encouraged. Builders must report emissions and follow strict rules in their planning documents.

Newham Council wants to cut pollution and improve health by:

• Making sure new buildings follow strict Air Quality Positive and Air Quality Neutral rules
• Adding green features like rooftop gardens and better air ventilation systems

Since only 13% of Newham is green space, the council has a long-term plan (50 years) to create more parks, gardens, and green paths, especially in busy areas. This includes planting trees and using systems to manage rainwater.

To improve indoor air, the council will promote better ventilation, fix damp problems, and upgrade older homes, especially for people who are more at risk. Education and monitoring will help people keep their homes healthier.

Newham is a Smoke Control Area, so burning certain fuels is not allowed. The council will promote cleaner ways to heat homes.

Energy-saving programmes will help people improve insulation, ventilation, and use renewable energy. There will be support and training to help with this.

Newham wants to make the air cleaner and streets healthier by improving transport and working with the community. Here's how:

New buildings must include features that help reduce pollution, like:

• Trees along streets
• Places to sit and rest
• Safe bike lanes
• Low-traffic areas to encourage walking and cycling

Healthy School Streets make areas around schools safer and cleaner by:

• Closing roads at certain times
• Adding bike lanes and parking
• Checking air quality
• Teaching students about travel and pollution

Low Emission and Zero Emission Neighbourhoods (LENs and ZENs):

• Make it easier to walk and cycle
• Slow down traffic
• Raise awareness about pollution
• More electric vehicle (EV) charging points are added
• Rules and rewards help people and businesses follow the changes

Better walking and cycling routes are being built, with:

• Safe crossings
• Secure bike parking
• Rewards for walking or cycling
• Easy connections to buses and trains
• Car Free Days close streets to cars so people can walk and cycle more.

Parking rules will:

• Charge more for high-pollution cars
• Reduce the number of parking spaces
• Give priority to low-emission vehicles

Deliveries will be cleaner by using:

• Low-emission vans
• Cargo bikes
• Special delivery zones
• Central hubs to reduce traffic

Newham also wants to reduce pollution in other ways by:

• Training council staff and leaders so they understand how important clean air is for health.
• Working together across departments like Public Health, Housing, Climate Action, and Transport to include air quality in all projects.

Buying from eco-friendly suppliers by:

• Including air quality rules in contracts
• Asking suppliers to use cleaner methods

Partnering with others, including:

• Other councils
• Local groups
• National government

This consultation is your chance to:

• Tell us what matters most to you
• Share your ideas and concerns
• Help shape local actions to improve the air we all breathe.