Richmond Council is one of the first London Boroughs to install new Breathe London air quality sensors in priority locations across Richmond upon Thames.

They will access important data that will help provide a previously unseen detailed picture of local air pollution.

The 45 Breathe London sensors are being installed and will be situated in town centres, school streets and proposed new traffic scheme areas. For example, they are installed around the Royal Parks, near East Sheen Primary School and St Richard Reynolds College. 

As part of the InnOvaTe Project, some sensors are paired with Vivacity traffic monitors. The council will see real-time and indicative data for air quality alongside traffic data for the first time. The sensors measure nitrogen dioxide levels and small particulate matter (PM2.5), and both pollutants are harmful to human health. This will allow a deeper understanding of different transport modes, movement patterns, and their impact on air quality. 

No personal data is collected, and the technology cannot be used for road traffic enforcement. 

Breathe London is funded by the Mayor of London and aims to raise awareness of toxic air pollution across London, helping Councils to take action to improve local air quality. The data collected through Breathe London sensors are backed by a dedicated team of researchers at Imperial College London. 

Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Chair of Richmond Council’s Transport and Air Quality Committee, said: 

“We simply have to tackle air pollution, and the installation of both sensors will provide a granular picture of the links between transport, air quality, and exposure as pollution levels change locally. The data will help shape our future policies and will also allow residents to monitor pollution levels in their local area.” 

About the InnOvaTe Project: 

South London Partnership is working with London Councils to deliver an exciting and innovative Internet of Things (IoT) project across the five south London Councils of Croydon, Kingston upon Thames, Merton, Richmond upon Thames and Sutton. 

This initiative is funded by the Strategic Investment Pot (SIP) as part of the London Councils Business Rates Retention Scheme. The City of London Corporation administers and hopes to improve people’s lives by delivering a multi-purpose Internet of Things (IoT) platform, which will connect various sensors across borough boundaries. 

 

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