Progress in delivering clean air for Birmingham - January 2026
Monitoring, data and schools
Public access to air quality data and expanded monitoring are central parts of the Clean Air Strategy.
This page summarises actions 3 to 5, covering how:
- data is being shared with the public
- monitoring has increased across the city
- schools are using real-time information to support learning and behaviour change
Action 3: Provide accessible air quality and traffic data
Real‑time air quality data is available to the public through an the Birmingham Real Time Air Quality website.
Clean Air Zone compliance data is available on our Clean Air Zone data page.
There is a dedicated Air Quality section in the Birmingham City Observatory website.
A draft air quality dashboard was developed but not launched because it did not meet accessibility requirements.
Action 4: Increase air quality monitoring across the city
Monitoring has expanded across Birmingham through new diffusion tubes in suburban areas and real‑time indicative sensors.
More than 192 sensors have been installed at schools, with further sensors planned for Faith Centres and Community Hubs in the spring.
Monitoring within transport projects is being increased, and virtual sensors have been installed at care homes to help understand the levels of air pollution and potential risks to residents.
Action 5: Implement air quality monitoring and awareness for schools
The schools monitoring programme began in 2022. During phase 1, real‑time sensors were installed at 69 schools, supported by a reference sensor at the Ladywood Air Quality Station. The aim is to help children, teachers and parents understand how behaviour can improve air quality.
Phase 2 began in 2025 with every school offered a free air quality sensor and a static signage board. One hundred and ninety‑two sensors have been installed to date. A further 30 schools with potentially high exposure received reference‑grade sensors to support more detailed analysis.
Real-time data from the school sensors is available via a public air quality portal. Schools are supported to access and use the data, including monthly downloadable bespoke factsheets.
These resources help children, parents and teachers understand what the data is showing and how to use it meaningfully. Schools use the information to shape curricula and wider sustainability work, including:
- physical activity
- active travel
- road safety
- anti-idling
- School Streets
- climate change
- Modeshift Stars
- Eco-Schools accreditation
The programme has been incorporated into Let’s Go Zero’s Climate Action Plan, the Route To Net Zero Team’s schools pack for scope 1 to 3 decarbonisation funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Public Health Team’s Healthy Schools Programme.
Analysis of data from all school sensors is underway. School feedback on how they use the information is being reviewed to help shape future behaviour change campaigns.
Page last updated: 30 January 2026