Local air quality management

Find out how we measure, monitor and report on air quality to ensure it meets legal standards, and how you can help improve air quality.

Good air quality is essential for our health, quality of life and the environment. We therefore monitor air quality across North Yorkshire to make sure it meets UK Air Quality Objectives, and if there are any problems with air quality we understand where this is happening.

Air quality reports

We have a legal duty to monitor key pollutants across North Yorkshire and report on it each year to the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). This report is called the Annual Status Report. The report provides details of how we will improve air quality and any progress that has been made.

 Read the latest Annual Status Report 2024 (pdf / 18 MB).

Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA)

In areas where the National Air Quality Objectives set by the government are not being met, we declare these as Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs). We currently have four AQMAs; three areas that exceed their annual target for nitrogen dioxide due to traffic emissions, and one area for exceeding particulate matter (PM 10 - small particles) due to domestic heating.

The four AQMAs are located at:

Air Quality Action Plans

Air Quality Action Plans (AQAPs) are produced for each AQMA which show how we will tackle air pollution and improve the air quality in these areas. The action plans are updated and sent to DEFRA at least every five years.

 Read the latest AQAP for 2024 to 2029 (pdf / 9 MB).

Improving air quality

How you can help improve air quality

There are several ways to help reduce air pollution and make the environment safer and healthier for us all, for example:

  • walk, cycle or use a scooter more frequently in your leisure time or when travelling to work or school
  • avoid unnecessary burning at home using a stove or open fire unless this is your only source of heat 
  • use efficient burning fuels in your stove / open fire such as dry wood or approved manufactured solid fuels – read the open fires and wood burning stoves guide for practical tips 
  • when driving switch off your engine when stationary, and if possible, choose to drive electric vehicles 
  • avoid burning garden waste, especially green or damp waste, as it produces smoke - this can be composted or taken to our household waste recycling centres
  • take household waste, such as old furniture or building materials, to one of our household waste recycling centres rather than burn it

Smoke control areas

There are several smoke control areas within North Yorkshire. These areas have restrictions on producing smoke from domestic chimneys and require you to burn authorised fuel or use certain appliances.

Check if your property is in a smoke control area.

Industrial pollution and emissions permits

Some industries and businesses need permits from us or the Environment Agency to release pollution and emissions into the environment. To find out more visit our environmental permits - industrial emissions page.

Further information

For further information on local air quality monitoring or if you are concerned about air quality, please contact our scientific services team.

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