Smoke and fumes problems

Smoke and fumes problems we can investigate

Westminster is a smoke control area where smoke from home chimneys is not allowed. Smoke from industrial or commercial premises is also carefully controlled. You can read more about the controls on domestic and industrial smoke in Westminster.

Smoke and fumes in the air can be caused by:

• bonfires and barbecues
• vehicles
• commercial kitchens
• some industrial processes

Smoke and fumes can become a problem if it:

• interferes with the use or enjoyment of your home
• affects your health

If you make a report of a smoke and fumes problem, an officer will review your report within one hour.

If you see or suspect a fire, get to a safe place and call 999 immediately.

Dark smoke

Dark smoke is more polluting and is often caused by burning wet wood or plastics. Dark smoke or bonfires from commercial and business premises are not allowed. You can read more about dark smoke and how to identify it.

Engine idling or smoky vehicles

We encourage drivers to turn off their engines while parked or waiting to help improve air quality and reduce emissions. If you notice a driver isn't doing this, you can make a report of unnecessary engine idling to us.

If you notice an excessively smoky lorry or bus exhaust, you can make a report to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).