Brent breathing cleaner air

New data shows that in 2024 harmful emissions in Brent were 36% lower than they would have been had the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) not gone ahead.

Air monitoring stations around John Keble Primary School and ARK Franklin Primary Academy have shown that the concentration of dangerous emissions like PM.25 have decreased by around 25% in the last year.

The data, released by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan sets out that the London-wide Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has helped to significantly decrease the amount of harmful NOx (Nitrogen Oxide) and PM.25 in the air.  

The council has also been leading the way with a number of clean air initiatives and transport measures. Brent Council has helped to install over 30 School Streets across the borough, reducing traffic at school drop-off and pickup times and making it safer for children to walk, scoot, and cycle to school. A further 3 schemes covering St Mary Magdalen's Catholic Junior School, Wembley High School and Mount Stewart Federation School are currently being consulted upon.

There are also over 1,115 on street electric vehicle charge points installed across the Borough making it easier for people to make the switch to low emission vehicles.

 Councillor Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Environment and Enforcement, said: "Every resident, no matter their background, has the right to breathe clean air in this city and in our borough. The figures are clear, the Ultra Low Emission Zone is making a tangible difference in Brent and marks a real step forward in tackling the effects of toxic air on our most vulnerable residents.

"Our successful School Streets programme shows the power of putting health first, with parents, teachers and our children, benefitting from cleaner air around their schools.

"I am also pleased to say that it has never been easier to charge an electric car in Brent. Recent figures put Brent in the top six councils in the country for the number of electronic vehicle charging points.”