Portsmouth City Council has approved a new clean air strategy that sets out how it aims to improve air quality in the city.

The Clean Air Strategy 2026 – 2040: Improving Air Quality for a Green and Healthy Future sets out a new mission for cleaner air in the city:

Everyone in Portsmouth should be able to breathe air that does not damage their health and wellbeing. We will:

• Prevent sources of pollution
• Limit exposure to pollution
• Protect the most vulnerable

Tackling air pollution will involve building on existing good work across the Council, including continuing to deliver transport, environmental, energy services and planning programmes which contribute to cleaner air.

It will also involve raising awareness for how individuals can limit their contribution to and exposure to pollution.

Cllr Kimberly Barrett, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Greening the City at Portsmouth City Council, said: “Air pollution harms both our environment and our health, and we know children, older people and those with existing conditions are most at risk. This strategy sets out the key actions we’ll take to improve air quality in Portsmouth, building on the strong work already happening across the council. Everyone has a part to play, and by working together with residents, businesses and our regional and national partners, we can create a cleaner, healthier city.”

In September and October 2025, the Council consulted with residents, workers, visitors, and businesses to gather their views on air quality in the city and the proposed actions in the strategy. The consultation found that almost three-quarters of respondents (73%) are concerned or very concerned about air pollution in Portsmouth.

83% of respondents agreed with the key mission proposed. And 65% supported an ambition to aim for the World Health Organisation air quality targets in Portsmouth (the WHO recommends limits that offer a higher level of protection than the UK’s current regulatory standards). The strategy has therefore set out interim target levels for pollutants at five-year stages until 2040.

The results from the consultation are published on the Your City Your Say webpage.

The strategy is available online.