News

Amy Stidworthy from Breathe London Partner Cambridge Environmental Research Consultants (CERC) writes about a new clean air tool from Westminster City Council.

“Westminster City Council recently launched Clean Air Routes London, a free interactive map to help residents, workers, and visitors travel around Greater London using routes with the best available air quality.

The new website encourages people explore London on foot or by bike - while choosing roads which minimise exposure to harmful air pollution.

Developed in partnership with Breathe London partner Cambridge Environmental Research Consultants (CERC) and supported by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), cleanairroutes.org uses forecast air quality data and measurements, including information from the Breathe London network.

By entering a start and end point, the website generates up to three route options. Each route displays pollution levels along the way, with the platform recommending the option with the lowest exposure to NO2 and PM2.5.

Air pollution remains one of London’s most pressing health challenges, with long-term exposure linked to asthma, lung cancer, strokes, heart disease and more. The impacts are felt most acutely by older adults, children, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

In its first few weeks, Westminster have seen over 1,100 people using the tool to plan journeys, from short walks to school, to long distance bike rides. The Council is working with CERC, DEFRA, the GLA and a range of health, education and travel related organisations to promote it across London. The team is looking closely at how people use the map, to see how it can potentially be improved in the future.

The website forms part of Westminster’s Air Quality Action Plan 2025–2030, underlining the Council’s commitment to promoting active travel and sustainable travel.”