London Boroughs to Receive £6m Boost for Cleaner Air Projects

London boroughs are set to receive a fresh £6 million funding boost to support local schemes aimed at cutting air pollution and improving public health across the capital.

The new investment has been announced by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan as part of the latest round of the Mayor’s Air Quality Fund, which supports borough-led projects designed to reduce emissions and encourage cleaner, healthier travel choices.

The fifth round of funding was confirmed to coincide with Clean Air Day and builds on previous investment made through the programme. Since its creation, the fund has allocated £27 million to local authorities, alongside around £20 million in additional match funding and support from councils and partner organisations.

Previous projects backed by the fund have included clean delivery schemes, walking and cycling improvements, school streets, low-emission neighbourhoods and initiatives to reduce pollution from construction equipment.

City Hall says earlier rounds of the programme have already delivered significant benefits, including 25 clean air walking and cycling routes, more than 400 electric vehicle charging points, over 900 newly planted trees and 89 school streets. Awareness campaigns supported through the fund have also reached more than 700,000 Londoners.

The fourth round, launched in 2024, provided £5.3 million for 17 projects across 26 boroughs. In their first year, those schemes are estimated to have reduced particulate matter emissions, cut vehicle mileage and engaged thousands of residents and businesses.

The announcement comes as London continues to expand its cleaner transport network. Transport for London recently confirmed that 3,000 zero-emission buses are now operating in the capital, representing around a third of the fleet. In 2016, London had just 30 electric buses in service.

Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy Mete Coban said London’s history shows the importance of decisive action on air pollution, pointing to the Great Smog and the introduction of the Clean Air Act as examples of how major environmental challenges require bold responses.

City Hall says the latest funding will help boroughs continue developing practical, community-focused projects that support cleaner air, healthier streets and a greener capital.