The Public Protection Division continuously monitors air quality at the two sites in Islington shown as green dots on the map at the top right of this page.  The Upper Street site represents the Urban Background, and the results are indicative of the air quality experienced by the majority of Islington residents for most of the time.  The results at the Roadside site on Holloway Road are indicative of the worst conditions in Islington.
The results of the monitoring from the first quarter of the year are presented in the charts below.  Monthly average figures for particulates and nitrogen dioxide are given as well as the number of days or hours exceeding the relevant objective level during the month.  The maximum 8 hour average concentration of carbon monoxide recorded over each month is also presented.  The monthly results in each chart are combined to give the results for the quarter.

Good progress made on air quality action plan

In March 2004 the Pollution Team published the first progress report on the Council's Air Quality Action Plan.  Good progress has been made across all sections of the plan, including the 17 actions identified as being of high priority.
Notable progress includes:

  • The Council has extended the Air Quality Management Area to cover the whole of the borough.
  • Planning permission will not now be given for schemes that have a significantly adverse affect on air quality.
  • The Council's Tree policy has been agreed in March 2003.
  • The Council continues to support the congestion charging scheme for central London.
  • Reduced traffic zones have been introduced in the Barnsbury, Canonbury and St. Peter's areas.
  • The Council continues to work in partnership with London Buses and the bus operators to improve and increase bus travel.
  • The Council continues to give conditional support for the introduction of a London Low Emission Zone.
  • The Council continues to support the London night time and weekend lorry controls.
  • The Council participates in the London wide vehicle emissions testing programme.
  • The Council has participated in cross borough initiatives in the London Cycle Network to promote cycling.
  • The Council has secured funding to implement its walking strategy.
  • The Council has improved road signage on Upper Street and Essex Road to minimise circling of traffic.
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  • The Council has formulated and launched a Green Travel Plan in September 2003.
  • The Council is pursuing grant monies from the Energy Savings Trust to assist with its greening the fleet policy.
  • The Council continues to enforce the smoke control zone.
  • Air quality monitoring was carried out in 2003 achieving a data capture rate exceeding 94% and 97% at our two monitoring sites.
  • A new LPG facility has been installed at the New Waste Transfer Station at Lough Road.
  • Over 50% of primary schools in Islington have participated in the Walk to School Week event in 2003.
  • Over 90% of the Council's vehicle fleet is running on cleaner fuels.
  • 54 vehicles have been replaced in 2003 with vehicles that are powered by green fuel and fitted with either a catalytic converter or CRT.
  • Over 100 grants have been awarded to improve energy efficiency in private dwellings.
  • The City Car Club has been established in Islington and currently has 24 members.
  • 4465 reduced cost parking permits issued for small and cleaner fuelled vehicles.
  • 1.3 million pounds has been awarded to the Council to improve the provision of cycling and walking in the Borough.

Copies of the Progress Report are available at www.islington.gov.uk/airquality.