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Legislation

Last updated

July 26, 2025

UK legislation

Air pollution and UK legislation represents a comprehensive legal framework addressing air quality challenges through national standards, local authority responsibilities, and emerging policies targeting transport and industrial emissions. Research documents both the successes and limitations of UK air quality law, including the ongoing challenges of meeting EU-derived standards and addressing environmental justice concerns. Studies reveal how legislative approaches have evolved to address new scientific evidence about health impacts. Discover the evidence showing how UK air quality legislation is protecting public health and what improvements are needed to meet international standards.

Air Quality Standards Regulations (2020)

And sub-regulations for Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland
- Find target limits online
Transposed EU air quality directives into UK law, setting legally binding ambient air concentration limits for several pollutants
Monitored by local authorities to ensure compliance

National Emissions Ceilings Regulations (2002, updated 2018)

Set emission reduction commitments for NOx, SO2, NMVOC, NH3, and PM2.5 for 2020–29 and 2030 onwards, in line with the Gothenburg Protocol and EU directives. Was weakened by the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023, removed plan-making requirements.
UK government coordinates broad-level compliance and reporting, but devolved governments are responsible for respective emissions reductions

Environment Act (2021)

Sets a 25-year vision with interim targets tied to the Environment Act. Must be updated every five years.
Applies only to England
- Defra is the planning and delivering agency
- Local authorities and other national agencies support delivery
- Devolved governments produce their own environmental improvement plans

Environmental Improvement Plan (2023)

Sets a 25-year vision with interim targets tied to the Environment Act. Must be updated every five years
Applies only to England
- Defra is the planning and delivering agency
- Local authorities and other national agencies support delivery
- Devolved governments produce their own environmental improvement plans

Clean Air Strategy (2019)

Set out the UK’s approach to tackling all sources of air pollution and improving public health through stronger regulation and cleaner technologies. No requirement to update.
Defra authored strategy for England, devolved governments published own complimentary strategies

Air Quality Strategy (2013)

Defines national approach and a framework for local authority to manage air quality. Must be published every five years.
Applies only to England
- Defra sets policy framework
- Local authorities in England responsible for Local Air Quality Management
- Devolved governments have own strategies and LAQM systems

‍Ella’s Law (2025 - Reintroduced)

Proposal to establish clean air as a human right
In memory of the girl who became the first person to have air pollution officially listed as the cause of death
Would force the UK to meet strict WHO limits by 2030
MP Sian Berry: British people should have "the right to grow up and grow old without stunted lungs, without preventable diseases like asthma, and without disabling and potentially lethal harm being done to our lungs, hearts and brains by preventable air pollution"

London-specific

9,000 London buses with 100% compliance to ULEZ (Gary Fuller et al., 2023)
2017 Mayoral Transport Strategy set a goal of achieving 80% of trips to be made by walking, cycling or public transport by the year 2041 through the Liveable Neighbourhoods Programme, Borough Safer Streets, and Better Bus Partnerships programmes (link)