Home / Environment / Lydney's Air Quality Improves: Speed Limit and Low Emission Cars Make a Difference
Lydney's Air Quality Improves: Speed Limit and Low Emission Cars Make a Difference
11 Oct
Summary
- Lydney, Gloucestershire removed from pollution hotspot list
- Improved air quality due to 20mph speed limit and more low emission cars
- No specific measures taken, but monitoring shows compliance with standards
As of October 11th, 2025, the town of Lydney, Gloucestershire has been removed from a pollution hotspot register. This comes after years of air quality monitoring in the area due to high levels of pollution caused by traffic congestion through the town's high street.
The Forest of Dean District Council has agreed to stop monitoring the area after three consecutive years of safer pollution levels. According to a council report, the drop in nitrogen dioxide was attributed to several factors, including more people working remotely since the COVID-19 pandemic and the introduction of a 20mph speed limit.
While no specific measures were put in place to directly address the poor air quality, the council says the situation has improved. The air quality management area, which covered the High Street, Hill Street, Newerne Street, Bream Road, and Forest Road, has now been revoked as the town is compliant with national air quality objectives.
Councilor Jackie Fraser, the council's cabinet member for the environment, stated that the air quality management area was initially put in place due to high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide. However, the latest monitoring data confirms the town is now meeting the required standards, allowing the council to remove the area from further monitoring.
