Air quality

We review and assess air quality in Dacorum on a regular basis. Air quality objectives have been set for the following seven key pollutants:

• Benzene
• 1,3-butadiene
• Carbon monoxide
• Lead
• Nitrogen dioxide
• PM₁₀
• Sulphur dioxide

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has more information on the health effects of these pollutants.

Air quality data and pollution forecasts

Air quality data and pollution forecasts for Dacorum are available on the Air Quality England website.

Air Quality Action Plan

Our Air Quality Action Plan details the measures we plan to take to improve air quality in the borough. The main aim is to reduce pollution from road traffic.

We are reviewing our Air Quality Action Plan for 2025-2030 and will be available for public consultation shortly.

Eco driving tips

The AA has tips on how you can reduce your emissions by driving more economically.

Assessment reports and maps

Accessibility: The PDF documents below may not be suitable for users of assistive technologies. If you need any of these documents in an alternative format, please email ecp@dacorum.gov.uk. 

Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) review and assessment reports

•  Air Quality Annual Status Report (ASR) 2024 (PDF 2.7MB)
•  Air Quality Annual Status Report (ASR) 2023 (PDF 2.2MB)
•  Air Quality Annual Status Report (ASR) 2022 (PDF 1MB)

Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs)

•  Air Quality Management Area Order 1 (PDF 24KB)
•  Air Quality Management Area 1 Map (PDF 182KB)
•  Air Quality Management Area Order 2 (PDF 23KB)
•  Air Quality Management Area 2 Map (PDF 230KB)
  
•  Air Quality Management Area - Northchurch Revocation Order (PDF 480KB) - this is the unofficial (unsealed) version. You can request to the official sealed version by emailing ecp@dacorum.gov.uk
  

Reporting smoky vehicles

Road traffic emissions are the main source of poor air quality in Dacorum. You can help reduce emissions by reporting smoky vehicles to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Report smoky lorries and buses to the DVSA