What's new
Air quality diffusion tube data from the Strand Aldwych project
The Strand Aldwych scheme was completed in December 2022 and comprised of the removal of the Aldwych gyratory, creating a two-way traffic flow around Aldwych and a new public space on the Strand between Lancaster Place and Surrey Street, with limited access for motorised vehicles (loading and access to a few buildings). One of its key objectives was to address air quality across the whole project area, reduce traffic in some areas, mitigate the effects of traffic in other areas, and work with partners to influence, lobby, and explore opportunities for positive change.
In 2017, we conducted an air pollution study through NO2 monitoring before the scheme was implemented and modelled the expected scenario after the scheme's completion. Between March and October 2023, we conducted another air quality study and reviewed the data collected.
You can now view the data on our Air Quality Diffusion Tube Map (select the All Sites toggle and then the Strand Aldwych data source option) or download the data from our air quality data download page.
Soho Project
We are leading the Soho Monitoring Study, which collects detailed traffic and movement, noise levels and air quality data from across Soho over twelve months.
The project aims to better understand the public realm across the neighbourhood. The data will help us understand spaces that are busy and those that are quiet, those that experience heavier vehicle traffic and those where pedestrians, areas of clean air and spikes in pollution dominate.
Five long-term unattended air quality monitors are installed to allow pollutant levels across Soho to be measured. These monitors will continuously record pollutant levels over 12 months. The long-term monitoring locations will be supported by low-resolution diffusion tube measurements across 20 sites. The monitoring will allow pollutant levels across Soho to be clearly presented and reviewed against recognised UK guidance.
We are now publishing the diffusion tube data through our Air Quality Diffusion Map, which is also available for download. It will be updated monthly.
We will publish the higher-resolution monitoring data as this becomes available.