Air quality in Swindon

Check current and forecast air pollution levels in Swindon. You can also learn about common pollutants and how we manage air quality locally.

Air quality and health

Air quality has improved significantly in recent decades. Since 1970:

  • sulphur dioxide emissions have fallen by 95%
  • particulate matter emissions have fallen by 73%
  • nitrogen oxide emissions have fallen by 69%

Total UK emissions of nitrogen oxides fell by a further 19% between 2010 and 2015. However, poor air quality continues to affect health and the environment in some areas.

We now know more about the health effects of relatively low levels of air pollution. Read the government guidance on air pollution and its effects on health

The government published its Clean Air Strategy in 2019.

The Environment Act 2021 introduced a legal target for fine particulate matter. It also strengthened local air quality reporting and introduced other environmental policies.

Local authorities must monitor air quality and take action when they identify a problem.

We publish an air quality annual status report The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs reviews and accepts the report each year.

Pollutants and where they come from

The two main pollutants of concern in England are nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter.

Nitrogen dioxide

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) forms when fuels are burnt. Sources include:

  • vehicles
  • home heating
  • cooking
  • power generation
  • industry

Nitrogen dioxide can irritate your airways and make existing breathing conditions worse.

Levels are generally highest near the source. Where high levels occur, vehicle use often adds to nitrogen dioxide already in the air.

Nitrogen dioxide can also settle on the ground and change the soil's chemistry. This can harm plants, animals, and other wildlife.

Fine particulate matter

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is made up of very small particles in the air we breathe. These particles can pass through the lungs and enter the body.

Fine particulate matter is thought to contribute to around 5% of deaths in England. It may:

  • make asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse
  • contribute to cardiovascular disease
  • contribute to some cancers

The main sources include industry, agriculture, transport, and fires in homes. Domestic burning may produce around 30% of human-made fine particulate matter in the air.

The particles can remain in the air and travel long distances. This means pollution can cross regional and national borders.

In England, levels are highest in the south and south-east, particularly in urban areas.

Air quality management areas

We review air quality in Swindon and assess whether it is likely to meet the targets set by the government.

If an area is unlikely to meet a target, we must declare it an air quality management area. We must also prepare an air quality action plan.

The plan explains how we aim to meet the target. When preparing it, we consult relevant organisations and communities, including:

  • neighbouring local authorities
  • businesses
  • local people
  • National Highways
  • the Environment Agency

Kingshill Road air quality management area

In 2018, we recorded a nitrogen dioxide level of 56 micrograms per cubic metre on Kingshill Road.

We then declared Swindon's first air quality management area. It covers a 280-metre section of Kingshill Road.

We published an air quality action plan in 2019. During the plan's five-year lifespan, nitrogen dioxide levels fell close to the legal objective.

The legal objective is 40 micrograms per cubic metre.

In December 2023, Cabinet agreed the second version of the action plan. It aims to reduce levels from 42 micrograms per cubic metre, recorded in 2022.

The aim is to keep levels below the legal objective of 40 micrograms per cubic metre.

The action plan's priorities are to:

  • complete the Traffic Regulation Order that will remove most heavy vehicles from Kingshill and around 5% of nitrogen dioxide emissions
  • encourage residents, businesses, and other organisations to walk, cycle, and use public transport
  • prioritise and improve walking and cycling infrastructure
  • support the development of low-carbon transport

Read the Kingshill Air Quality Action Plan.

Map of the Kingshill Road air quality management area

The area covers the section of the A4289 from grid reference 414635E 183838N on Kingshill Road. It continues east to the junction with Okus Road.

Map showing the air quality management area on Kingshill Road. It extends east from grid reference 414635E 183838N to the junction with Okus Road.

The Air Quality Steering Group and the Director of Public Health oversee the action plan.

More than half of local authorities in England have declared air quality management areas. View the UK air quality management area map to see their locations.

Contact the Air Quality Steering Group

Email EHPollution@swindon.gov.uk if you:

  • want more information about the group's work
  • have a suggestion for the group
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