Putney Air Quality Sees Continued Improvement
Council admits challenges remain at pollution hot spots
A range of measures have been tried to reduce polluion. Picture: Wandsworth Council
September 5, 2025
Recent data from Wandsworth Council shows that air quality in Putney has continued to improve, with nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels falling significantly on Putney High Street and Felsham Road. However, campaigners and residents say there is still work to be done to tackle pollution hotspots and ensure long-term health benefits.
According to the council’s 2024 monitoring report, average NO₂ concentrations on Putney High Street have dropped by 40% since 2021, now meeting national air quality objectives. Felsham Road also recorded a decline, contributing to a borough-wide trend of reduced pollution linked to traffic and fossil fuel heating.
Putney has long been a focal point for air quality concerns, with its busy high street and bus corridor historically breaching legal pollution limits. The latest figures suggest that targeted interventions — including cleaner buses, expanded EV charging, and car-free school streets — may be having an impact.
Councillor Paul White, Cabinet Member for Environment, said, “It’s really encouraging to see the commitment we have made to air quality is making a real difference to levels of pollutants across the borough. But we are not complacent... We remain committed to achieving our ambitious local air quality objectives.”
The council’s air quality data has been validated by the Greater London Authority as part of the London Local Air Quality Management system. In addition to five automatic monitoring stations, including two in Putney, the council carried out non-automatic monitoring at 55 sites across the borough last year.
Putney residents have seen a range of initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and promoting active travel:
- Over 1,400 EV charging points installed borough-wide
- Car-free school streets now cover half of Wandsworth’s primary schools
- Cycle infrastructure upgrades and 130 new bikehangar spaces added
- 1,000 trees planted , with biodiversity enhancements in parks
- Food waste collections expanding to nearly every home
- Air quality audits conducted at schools, with a new clean air accreditation programme underway
While the council highlights its top-tier environmental rating from CDP and its net zero target for 2043, some residents and campaigners continue to call for stronger enforcement, further investment in public transport, and greater transparency around pollution data.
The council says it will continue working with its Air Quality Citizens Assembly and local ambassadors to engage communities and shape future action.
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