Since 1997, local authorities in the UK have been required to review and assess air quality in their areas. This helps councils meet their statutory duty to work towards national air quality objectives.
Air pollutants in Elmbridge
The main air pollutants in Elmbridge are:
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) – mainly from vehicle exhausts
- Particulates (PM10 and PM2.5) – mainly linked to diesel vehicles and burning
Nitrogen dioxide
Nitrogen dioxide is measured across the borough using more than 40 passive diffusion tubes and two real‑time monitoring stations. You can view current nitrogen dioxide levels at Hampton Court Parade (East Molesey) and Weybridge High Street via UK Air Quality.
If national air quality objectives are not met in an area, the local authority must declare an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA).
Elmbridge previously declared seven AQMAs, all due to exceedances of nitrogen dioxide:
- Cobham High Street
- Walton‑on‑Thames High Street
- Weybridge High Street
- Hampton Court
- Hinchley Wood
- Esher High Street
- Walton Road (Molesey)
Air quality has improved nationally, and Elmbridge has also seen a reduction in nitrogen dioxide levels. In 2020, we revoked the Cobham High Street AQMA. In February 2026, the remaining six AQMAs were revoked, as nitrogen dioxide levels had consistently remained below the national objective.
The Council continues to monitor nitrogen dioxide levels across the borough.
Particulates (PM10 and PM2.5)
Local authorities are required to work with central government to meet national objectives for particulate pollution (PM10 and PM2.5). We monitor particulate levels using a real‑time monitor on Esher High Street.
Current particulate pollution levels can be viewed via UK Air Quality.
Annual Status Reports
The Annual Status Report (ASR) reports each year our monitoring results for the previous year in addition to actions we have taken to improve air quality within its boundaries. This is submitted to Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs(DEFRA)
The ASR provides more information on local air quality.
Current Annual Status Report
Historical Annual Status Reports:
Older Annual Status Reports can be requested by emailing envhealth@elmbridge.gov.uk.
Air Quality Action Plan
Where a local authority has declared an AQMA they are required to produce an Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP), detailing actions to improve air quality. The AQAP 2021 to 2026 has delivered improvements.
Now all the AQMA’s have been revoked, we are required to produce an Air quality Strategy (AQS) setting out how in continues to commit to improving local air quality. A draft AQS is currently underway.