New measures to combat the high levels of air pollution in the West Midlands are set to be introduced soon. The West Midlands Combined Authority’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee will receive an update on the region’s air quality programme during their meeting on Monday, February 16.
The presentation will review the impact of initiatives implemented in recent years and outline plans for the coming years.
Air pollution is responsible for around 2,300 deaths annually in the West Midlands and contributes to severe health problems. In 2025, 90 sensors were installed across the region to monitor atmospheric particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5). These microscopic particles originate from sources such as wood burners, vehicle tires, construction sites, and factories.
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PM2.5 particles can aggravate chronic health conditions including asthma, coronary heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. The sensors are placed outside homes, schools, hospitals, businesses, and sports centers, with real-time data accessible to the public at cleanair.wmca.org.uk.
Data from the past week indicates fluctuating pollutant levels. For example, PM2.5 concentrations measured in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) were 17 on February 4 and 5, dropped to 2 on February 7 and 8, rose again to 13 on February 9 and 10, and decreased to 6 on February 11. While there is no safe level of PM2.5, the Environment Act 2021 sets targets of 12 µg/m³ by 2028 and 10 µg/m³ by 2040—both considerably higher than the World Health Organization’s guideline of 5 µg/m³.
The committee report highlights that, according to Defra data averaged at ward level, 72 out of 192 wards in the West Midlands experience annual average PM2.5 levels exceeding 10 µg/m³. This impacts approximately 1.2 million people, or 40% of the region’s population. The highest pollution levels are concentrated in central Birmingham, Coventry, Sandwell, and Walsall.
Areas facing the greatest socioeconomic challenges tend to suffer the worst air quality due to proximity to busy roads and industrial sources.
Additional initiatives include an air quality alert system that notifies subscribed residents of medium to high pollution events. Efforts have also focused on schools, local councillors, and officers throughout the region.
The 2026–2030 Air Quality Implementation Plan is currently in procurement. This plan aims to reassess existing measures and identify new strategies to support local authorities in improving air quality.