A recent report reveals that the air quality on Wiltshire’s most polluted roads has finally improved to safe, legally compliant levels. For the first time since the Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) were declared, all eight designated zones in the county meet UK air quality standards, marking a significant milestone for Wiltshire Council.
The council’s Environment Select Committee will meet on September 9 to discuss applying for permission from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to officially revoke the AQMA orders.
Wiltshire Council has been monitoring nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10) levels for over a decade—some areas for nearly 25 years. The eight AQMAs are located at:
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- Mason’s Lane, Bradford on Avon (since 2001)
- New Road and London Road junction, Calne (since 2013)
- Wadworth Corner, Devizes (since 2009)
- Herd Street and Barn Street, Marlborough (since 2011)
- Warminster Road, Westbury (since 2001)
- The Ring Road, Salisbury (since 2007)
- London Road, Salisbury (since 2007)
- Wilton Road, Salisbury (since 2007)
DEFRA regulations require local councils to notify them when the annual mean nitrogen dioxide level exceeds 40 micrograms per cubic meter of air. At Mason’s Lane—a long-standing hotspot where NO2 levels peaked above 75 micrograms in 2013—pollution has dropped steadily and now falls below the safe threshold.
A major factor behind this improvement is the reduction of diesel vehicle emissions. The rising adoption of private electric vehicles and the introduction of public EV fleets—like Salisbury’s 23 electric buses—have played critical roles in decreasing levels of harmful particulates. Additionally, the council has implemented highway modifications aimed at reducing air pollution.
While nitrogen dioxide poses health risks such as aggravating respiratory diseases and infections—particularly affecting children and the elderly—the council is now shifting attention to PM2.5 particles. These fine particles carry serious health risks and environmental impacts, prompting further monitoring efforts.
To support ongoing community engagement, Wiltshire Council has launched the Wiltshire Community Air Network project, enlisting 100 ‘citizen scientists’ to monitor air quality countywide.
Looking ahead, the council plans to develop a new Air Quality Strategy starting in 2025 to sustain and build upon these environmental successes.