Hackney Council has pledged to cut engine idling and smoke and fumes from kitchens and building sites as part of stricter targets to improve air quality.
The authority’s new Air Quality Action Plan for 2026 to 2030 sets out new policies to reduce emissions further - including giving households air quality monitors.
It aims to reduce engine idling, improve the regulation of kitchen and construction emissions, and set new pollution reduction targets.
Cllr Sarah Young, Hackney Council’s cabinet member for climate, environment and transport, said: "This new plan builds on our successes and sets out how we will go further to meet new, more stringent WHO air quality targets."
The new plan links air quality improvements with health programmes, including actions to tackle indoor air pollution.
The plan follows a period of significant progress for Hackney, during which nitrogen dioxide levels have lowered by around a half since 2017.
The council credits this to environmental initiatives such as School Streets, low-traffic neighbourhoods, expanded cycling infrastructure, and emissions-based parking charges.
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The 2026 to 2030 plan shifts focus from road traffic emissions to other sources, such as gas boilers, diesel generators, wood and coal burning, and commercial cooking. It also proposes a new scheme to lend home air quality monitors to residents.
Additional measures include increased enforcement to reduce engine idling, a review of parking and enforcement rules, and closer integration of air quality work with energy-saving and low-carbon home improvement schemes.
Councillor Young said: "We have made huge progress in improving air quality in Hackney, thanks to our bold environmental policies and the work we have delivered alongside our partners and residents.
"From School Streets and low-traffic neighbourhoods to cycle lanes, street trees, rain gardens and the Zero Emissions Network, we are taking action to ensure everyone has cleaner air to breathe. However, air pollution remains one of the biggest environmental threats to our health.
"It affects people at every stage of life and is linked to conditions including asthma, heart disease, and dementia. While our data shows that nitrogen dioxide levels have fallen significantly, we know there is more to do."
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