Questions to the Mayor of London – answered at on 1 March 2022.
What plans are in place for the installation of PM2.5 monitoring stations in London during 2022?
London already has one of the most comprehensive air quality monitoring networks of any global city. London’s highest-quality reference monitors for PM2.5 are operated and funded by the boroughs, who make plans for the installation of new monitors according to their requirements. Our London Local Authorities Air Quality Management framework encourages boroughs to increase PM2.5 monitoring. A small increase in the number of PM2.5 reference monitors is anticipated in London in 2022. So far one borough has notified City Hall that they intend to install one new PM2.5 monitoring site in 2022.
In January 2021 I launched the Breathe London network, investing in 136 small sensors. Bloomberg Philanthropies has also invested in the network, providing funding for 60 sensors that will be available to communities over 3 years. This year 40 sensors will be added to the network, via community groups. Furthermore, the Breathe London online shop is now live allowing individuals, businesses and organisations to buy a sensor.