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Major causes of air pollution

 
In addition to industrial pollution, the major sources of air pollution in Greenwich are vehicle emissions, smoke, smells and dust. If you think there is a problem with the air around your area, report it.

Vehicle emissions

Exhaust from vehicles is the biggest source of air pollution in London. To improve emissions from traffic we:

  • hold open days where people can have their vehicle emissions checked and receive advice
  • check all Council vehicles
  • use a diesel additive in Council vehicles to reduce fuel consumption
  • use reduced-pollution emitting fuels such as biodiesel and ultra-low diesel in all Council vehicles.
Along with the Vehicle Inspectorate, Police and other London boroughs we are involved in the assessment of vehicle pollution at roadside spot-checks.

Smoke

Greenwich is a smoke control area, meaning that smoky fuels are banned and furnaces, chimneys and industrial processes are monitored carefully.

Authorised appliances listed under the smoke control area orders must be used to burn solid fuels such as coal, coke and wood. 

Smoke control areas: authorised fuels and exempt appliances (external site)

Most properties use gas for heating and hot water and this is a very clean fuel. Others are linked to district heating schemes using large central boiler houses.

As the borough is a smoke control area you won’t see smoke coming from domestic chimneys. If you do, please report it.

Smells (odours)

Smells can come from industry, local shops and businesses. For more information on smells:

Bonfires and barbecues

Smoke and smells from bonfires and barbecues are a serious pollution problem.

How to avoid smoky and smelly barbecues


Dust

Dust pollution comes mainly from the construction industry and related processes, such as concrete crushing, cement batching and road stone plants. Construction firms are required to minimise dust by adhering to relevant guidance.

More about construction pollution.

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