Air quality in the English city of Portsmouth has seen significant improvement since the introduction of its clean air zone (CAZ) in 2021, with more than 99% of chargeable vehicles now meeting emissions standards.
However, pockets of the city still breach legal nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) limits, which has prompted Portsmouth City Council to redouble efforts to safeguard public health.
On Clean Air Day, which took place on 19 June, the council offered free bus travel to encourage sustainable alternatives and highlight the role of cleaner public transport in reducing pollution.
Since the CAZ launch, the local authority has introduced 62 electric buses through the government’s ZEBRA scheme, alongside service upgrades delivered under the Bus Service Improvement Plan to increase frequency and reliability.
Beyond public transport, active travel is being prioritised through measures such as the Active Pompey Neighbourhood programme, aimed at making walking and cycling safer and more appealing.
Meanwhile, 320 new on-street electric vehicle chargepoints are being installed to accelerate the shift toward low-emission private vehicles.
Portsmouth International Port is also implementing a UK-first shore power system to enable ships to plug in while berthed, cutting local air pollution further.
Cllr Peter Candlish, cabinet member for transport, said the city had made “real progress” but stressed “there’s much more we can do, especially by changing how we travel.”
The CAZ is set to remain in place until air quality complies with UK legal thresholds for two consecutive years.
Officials are optimistic this could happen soon as cleaner vehicles continue to replace older diesel models, but the council has pledged to maintain momentum on further improvements even beyond that milestone.
Innovative clean air initiatives and road user charging schemes will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
