Air quality in Wirral

Monitoring of pollution levels

The following air pollutants are monitored in Wirral:

  • Nitrogen Oxides (NO2 and NO)
  • Ozone (O3)
  • Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5)

The air pollution limit values and target values that must be complied with are outlined in the National Air Quality Objectives.

Air Quality Strategy

View Wirral's Air Quality Strategy 2024 to 2028

Annual Status Report

Each year the council presents an update on local air quality by submitting an Annual Status Report (ASR) to the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).  The most recent ASR reports can be viewed below.

The PDF files below may not be suitable to view for people with disabilities, users of assistive technology or mobile phone devices.

Air quality monitoring locations in Wirral

Wirral Council undertakes monitoring of Nitrogen Dioxide levels using passive diffusion tubes.  There are also Automatic Urban Rural Network (AURN) monitoring stations located in Birkenhead and Tranmere;

find out more about the monitoring station in Tranmere

find out more about the monitoring station in Birkenhead

view a map of Nitrogen Dioxide monitoring locations in Wirral 

Latest air quality information

View current air pollution forecasts and measured data throughout the UK on GOV.UK

Smoke from vehicles

If you have a complaint about smoke from a commercial diesel vehicle - like a bus or lorry - contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.

Report smoke from taxis to Wirral Council's Licensing Section

Engine idling - Be the Key 

Breathe Better – advice on actions to reduce exposure to pollution 

Bonfires

Domestic Burning - advice for residents

Smoke Control Area

Permitted process – emissions to air, land and water 

Wirral Intelligence Service Air Quality Information