Warrington has reached a significant milestone in improving its environment and residents’ health, with new evidence confirming that national air quality targets are being consistently met across the borough.
Long-term monitoring shows that levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) – a pollutant largely associated with road traffic – have continued to fall steadily over the past decade. For the last three to four years, recorded levels across Warrington have remained within national health-based limits at all monitored locations.
The council previously designated two Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) covering the motorway network and Warrington town centre and main roads surrounding the town centre. In both of those areas, air quality has improved steadily and nitrogen dioxide levels now meet national limits in both areas.
The improvements reflect sustained local action by the council, working with partners and residents to tackle pollution and improve air quality for communities across Warrington.
Key contributing factors include the growing use of low-emission and electric vehicles, cleaner engine standards, and improved traffic flow, alongside other work by the council as part of its wider Air Quality Action Plan. Many of these actions have now been completed, helping embed long-term improvements rather than short-term gains.
Cllr Tony Higgins, cabinet member for climate change, sustainability and environment, said: “This is a really positive moment for Warrington. Cleaner air doesn’t happen by accident – it’s the result of years of focused work, investment and partnership to reduce pollution and protect people’s health.
“Cleaner air plays a vital role in supporting healthier, happier communities, reducing health inequalities and improving quality of life – particularly for children, older people and those most vulnerable to the effects of pollution.
“Meeting national air quality targets across the borough shows that the actions we’ve taken are making a real difference for our communities. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we’re not stopping here.”
While this milestone confirms that targets linked to nitrogen dioxide are being met consistently, the council will continue to monitor air quality carefully and report on progress each year.
Building on this progress, the council will develop a new Air Quality Strategy during 2026. The strategy will set out how Warrington will continue to improve both outdoor and indoor air quality, linking with wider work on public health, sustainable transport, climate action and active travel.
