Air Quality
Air pollution affects every organ in your body. It is the largest environmental health risk we face today. Over nine in every ten people in the world live in areas where safe limits are exceeded.
Southend-on-Sea City Council are an official Clean Air Day supporter. It is led by officers in Public Health engagement who aim to:
- Improve public understanding of air pollution
- Increase public backing for air pollution measures
- Mobilise action to reduce air pollution
Our Public Health team also work to:
- Promote active travel for short trips
- Explain the health impacts of air pollution, especially to high-risk and vulnerable groups
- Share up-to-date information through the Council’s website and social media pages, as well as via Livewell Southend and Your Say Southend
- Educate, raise awareness and deliver schemes which incentivise change
Southend has two Air Quality Management Areas. They are AQMA1- the Bell Junction, and AQMA2- part of Victoria Avenue, East Street and West Street. Air Quality Monitoring is carried out across the city. This has been put in place to protect health and improve air quality.
The monitors are an indicator of change in NO2 levels. They help identify hotspot areas and are essential to inform measures for the Air Quality Action Plan.
You can find more information on the council's website, including our Clean Air for Schools Project and Anti-idling Campaign.