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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 air pollution levels measured in November were variable, with the National Air Quality Standard level exceeded for airborne particulates and nitrogen dioxide.


	This month Islington Council produced its Draft Air Quality Action Plan. The draft action plan is a consultation document that outlines the actions the Council is taking and proposing to take to improve air quality in the borough. Some of the main actions are summarised below.


	Reducing pollution from vehicles Low Emission Zone (LEZ) Islington is working with other councils and the Mayor of London to create a London-wide LEZ. Certain commercial vehicles such as lorries and buses will not be allowed in to London if they produce too much pollution. Vehicle emission testing Islington Council is working with other councils to introduce random testing of vehicle exhaust emissions across London. Owners of vehicles failing the tests may be given fixed penalty notices and advised to get their vehicle re-tuned. Cleaner fuels Islington Council is working towards replacing it's petrol and diesel vehicles with ones powered by cleaner fuels, such as Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG). Reducing the number of vehicles Planning policies We will use our planning powers to prevent new developments which cause unacceptable levels of air pollution. Parking controls The Council is seeking to extend the size and number of Controlled Parking Zones. We believe that this will encourage the use of public transport, walking and cycling. Traffic reduction schemes The Council supports the Central London Congestion Charging scheme and we have a programme of complimentary measures to reduce congestion.


	Reducing pollution from other sources Trains and buses Although the Council is not a direct provider of services, we are firmly committed to supporting measures to improve quality, reliability and accessibility of trains and buses. Industry We will continue to regulate the emissions from smaller industries (such as petrol stations and vehicle re-sprayers). Heating systems We will continue to reduce energy use in Council buildings and encourage others to reduce their energy use also. Construction activity We will continue to regulate building works to minimise dust emissions. We will provide advice and encouragement to developers before works begin. Trees We recognise the benefits of trees to improving air quality and we have a policy to maintain the borough's trees. General policies Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) We are proposing to extend our AQMA to cover the whole of Islington. This will allow us greater scope and flexibility to make policies to reduce air pollution.