Portsmouth’s Clean Air Zone has delivered significant improvements with over 99% of vehicles now meeting emissions standards, though some areas still exceed legal nitrogen dioxide limits due to older diesel vehicles.
Portsmouth City Council is marking Clean Air Day on Thursday 19th June by providing complimentary bus travel throughout the city, acknowledging achievements in reducing air pollution whilst recognising continued efforts are needed.
The Clean Air Zone, implemented in 2021, has brought substantial improvements to air quality across Portsmouth. Recent research demonstrates that more than 99% of chargeable vehicles entering the zone now comply with emissions requirements. Nevertheless, several locations within the city continue to breach legal nitrogen dioxide (NOâ‚‚) thresholds, primarily caused by older diesel vehicles, particularly private cars and vans.
Whilst meeting UK legal standards represents an important achievement, Portsmouth City Council remains dedicated to exceeding these requirements to enhance public health protection. Improved air quality benefits all residents — helping to alleviate respiratory issues, especially for children, elderly people, and those with pre-existing health conditions, whilst creating a healthier living environment.
To address remaining pollution problem areas, Portsmouth City Council is strengthening its dedication to cleaner air and healthier transport options citywide — with numerous initiatives currently in progress.
The council has introduced 62 electric buses via the government’s ZEBRA programme, reducing public transport emissions. Bus services have been enhanced under the Bus Service Improvement Plan, increasing frequency and reliability.
Walking and cycling infrastructure is being improved through initiatives such as the Active Pompey Neighbourhood programme, whilst 320 additional on-street electric vehicle charging points are being installed to encourage the transition to cleaner vehicles.
Portsmouth International Port is also advancing towards net-zero emissions, featuring a pioneering UK shore power system enabling ships to connect to electricity whilst docked, substantially cutting pollution levels.
These measures form part of a comprehensive, long-term approach to transform Portsmouth into a cleaner, greener and healthier city — with additional improvements planned.
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Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport, commented: “We’ve achieved genuine progress on air pollution, but there’s considerably more we can accomplish, particularly through changing our travel habits. Clean Air Day provides the ideal opportunity to experience bus travel — it’s complimentary, convenient, and represents one small action we can all take for a cleaner, greener and healthier Portsmouth.”
Cllr Kimberly Barrett, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Greening the City, stated: “Cleaner air equals healthier lives. We’re witnessing real progress, but everyone has a role to play. Selecting greener travel options — even once weekly — can create a significant impact for Portsmouth.”
The CAZ will continue operating until air pollution levels remain within legal parameters for two consecutive years. Specialists are hopeful this target could be reached in the forthcoming years, as cleaner vehicles progressively replace older diesel models. Following achievement of these limits, Portsmouth City Council will maintain proactive measures to further decrease air pollution and protect public health.
Additional information is available on the Portsmouth City Council website: https://cleanerairportsmouth.co.uk/
