The city has achieved and is maintaining legal air quality standards for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).

People living, working and studying in Southampton are benefiting from cleaner air, following official Government confirmation that the city has achieved and is maintaining legal air quality standards for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).

Southampton City Council has welcomed official Government confirmation that air quality directions imposed on the city in 2018 and 2019 have been revoked, recognising that Southampton has achieved and is maintaining compliance with legal nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) limits.

In a letter to the council, Emma Hardy MP, Minister of State in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), confirmed that Southampton has met the annual legal limit for nitrogen dioxide and that the Environment Act 1995 Air Quality Directions issued to the city have now been revoked.

The decision is recognition of the significant progress made to improve air quality across Southampton over recent years, helping to create cleaner, healthier places for residents, workers, students and visitors.

Councillor John Savage, Cabinet Member for Environment and Net Zero, said: "This is an important moment for Southampton and recognition of the progress that has been made to improve air quality across our city."

"The Government's decision confirms that Southampton is meeting legal standards for nitrogen dioxide, reflecting years of work by the council, our partners and our communities to create a cleaner and healthier environment."

"Cleaner air brings real benefits for people who live, work and study in Southampton. It supports better health, improves quality of life and helps make our city a more attractive and sustainable place for future generations."

"While we welcome this recognition, we remain committed to building on this progress. We will continue to work with residents, businesses and partners to improve air quality and support our wider environmental ambitions."

Southampton continues to deliver a range of initiatives that support cleaner air and healthier communities, including public health campaigns, community engagement projects and tools that help residents better understand air quality in their local area.

The council also works alongside local authorities across the country through organisations such as UK100, sharing learning and best practice while continuing to develop local solutions that improve air quality, support public health and contribute to a greener future.

The Government's decision acknowledges that Southampton is meeting its legal air quality obligations, but the council remains committed to maintaining that progress and continuing its work to create a healthier, greener city for everyone.

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