York Achieves National Air Quality Targets for Second Consecutive Year Ahead of Clean Air Day

York is celebrating a significant achievement as it has successfully met national air quality targets for the second year in a row. This announcement comes just ahead of Clean Air Day, which will take place on Thursday, 18 June 2026. The City of York Council has shared that improvements in air quality have been recorded, with nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels dropping significantly across the city.

Air Quality Improvements

New data from 2025 indicates that York is not only maintaining the lower nitrogen dioxide levels achieved in 2024 but has also seen further enhancements in air quality. In fact, many monitoring stations across the city are reporting the lowest levels of NO2 in over 15 years. This progress is a direct result of the city’s ongoing commitment to improving air quality through various initiatives.

Efforts Behind the Success

The council's fourth Air Quality Action Plan, adopted in 2024, is key to this success. The plan aims to exceed national air quality standards and align with the stricter guidelines set by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Some of the measures that have contributed to this positive outcome include:

• Cleaner Council Fleet: By the end of 2025, 77% of the council’s operational car and van fleet were electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles.

• Lower Emission Taxis: 45% of licensed taxis in York were either petrol-hybrid or fully electric by the end of 2025.

• City-wide Smoke Control: The Smoke Control Area will be expanded to cover the entire city starting from 1 November 2026, targeting harmful fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and promoting cleaner heating options.

• Real-time Health Support: The York Air Alert service, which provides pollution forecasts and health advice, has seen over 18,000 visits.

• Indoor Air Quality Funding: New funding has been secured to monitor air quality in homes across the city through the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Carbon Negative Challenge Fund.

Community Impact

As part of the Clean Air Day celebrations, local councillors and community members are encouraged to promote clean air initiatives. Cllr Jenny Kent, the Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, expressed her delight at the city's achievements. She commented, “Well done York! We really have something to celebrate this Clean Air Day. Not just meeting but improving on our air quality targets for the second year running reflects a huge collective effort across the city.”

Cllr Kent highlighted the impressive 9.6% reduction in NO2 levels at the Holgate Road monitoring site between 2024 and 2025, which is particularly meaningful for the community. She urged residents to adopt cleaner transportation methods, such as walking, cycling, or using public transport, and to consider switching to electric vehicles. These small changes can lead to a healthier environment for everyone.

Health Benefits

Peter Roderick, the Director of Public Health at City of York Council, emphasised the importance of these air quality improvements for public health. He stated, “Air pollution may be invisible, but its impacts are very real - affecting respiratory health in children and increasing the risk of heart and brain conditions in older people.” Meeting national air quality targets is a significant milestone that helps reduce these health risks.

The council’s proactive measures aim to ensure that every resident has the best chance of a long and healthy life. As Roderick put it, “Every step we take - from cleaner transport to improved heating - is an investment in the city’s future wellbeing.”

Looking Ahead

Going forward, the council plans to continue its efforts to improve air quality. The Air Quality Action Plan includes initiatives to enhance sustainable transport options and expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure throughout York, ensuring that everyone has access to cleaner transportation.

Residents are encouraged to participate in the ongoing efforts to improve air quality by walking, cycling, or using public transport whenever possible. For those considering a switch to electric vehicles, the council provides resources and support to help with the transition.