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 on Defra's website.

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. 

View a map of Nitrogen Dioxide monitoring locations in Wirral 

There are also Automatic Urban Rural Network (AURN) monitoring stations located in Tranmere and Birkenhead:

Latest air quality information

View current air pollution forecasts and measured data throughout the 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

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