In our last Ward Survey, Bishopsgate residents and workers told us that air quality was a major concern. Since then, the City of London Corporation have taken action to address this through their Air Quality Strategy.
Nitrogen dioxide levels have been measured at three roadside locations in Bishopsgate: Liverpool Street, Bishopsgate and Wormwood Street.
Since 2017, concentrations have reduced at all three locations and in 2021 were at, or around, the health-based target. Although the impact of the COVID19 pandemic on activity in the City led to a marked reduction in nitrogen dioxide across the Square Mile, significant improvements in air quality have also been realised through local and regional plans.
However, there is still work to do. Particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) does not vary significantly across the Square Mile so is centrally monitored. Data is showing reductions, but not to the same extent as nitrogen dioxide as particulate matter comes from many different sources. The current target for PM10 and PM2.5 may also change following the enactment of the Environment Act 2021.
