Consultation: Improving Air Quality in Exeter

Exeter City Council is consulting on its draft Air Quality Action Plan (2026–2030) and draft Air Quality Strategy (2026–2030).

In combination, these documents set out how Exeter City Council will continue to protect and improve air quality across Exeter, building on recent progress and addressing key local challenges such as traffic-related pollution and exposure in hotspot areas.

The Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) specifically aims to improve air quality concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) within the Exeter Air Quality Management Area that encompasses key arterial roads. You can read the AQAP.

The Air Quality Strategy (AQS) is a broader strategic plan that integrates relevant policies and plans into a city-wide strategy to improve air quality. You can read the AQS.

The development of these documents has been shaped by the community survey that was run earlier this year between February and April 2026.

Exeter City Council are now inviting further feedback from residents, businesses, and stakeholders to help shape the final versions of these plans.


This survey is now closed and the responses are being

analysed. The consultation findings along with a confirmed

strategy and action plan will be published by the end of

2026


Why we are asking for your views

Clean air is essential for a healthy and thriving city. While air quality in Exeter has improved significantly in recent years, there are still localised issues along busy roads and in certain neighbourhoods.

Through this consultation, we aim to understand from you:

  • Whether the proposed actions are clear, appropriate and effective.
  • If there are any gaps or additional ideas that should be considered.
  • Your views on priorities for improving air quality in Exeter.
  • How we can improve the accessibility and usefulness of air quality information shared.

Your feedback will help ensure these plans reflect local priorities, experiences, and practical realities.

How long is the survey open?

The survey will be open for 6 weeks from Friday 3rd July until Friday 14th August

How your feedback will be used

Your responses will be used to:

  • Refine and improve the final Air Quality Strategy and Action Plan
  • Confirm priorities and ensure actions are deliverable and effective
  • Support a transparent decision-making process

All feedback will be reviewed and summarised in a Consultation Report, which will be published alongside the final documents.


Drop-in Sessions

Exeter City Council are setting up a booth at the Historic Guildhall on the High Street during the consultation for drop-ins and discussions on the Air Quality Strategy and Action Plan.
Please drop in you would like to discuss your views in person or ask any questions.

The time and dates of the drop-in sessions are:

  • 13:00-16:00 Monday 3rd August
  • 10:00-13:00 Tuesday 4th August

Your feedback will be considered through the same process as the views gathered via the public consultation survey.

Exeter City Council is consulting on its draft Air Quality Action Plan (2026–2030) and draft Air Quality Strategy (2026–2030).

In combination, these documents set out how Exeter City Council will continue to protect and improve air quality across Exeter, building on recent progress and addressing key local challenges such as traffic-related pollution and exposure in hotspot areas.

The Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) specifically aims to improve air quality concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) within the Exeter Air Quality Management Area that encompasses key arterial roads. You can read the AQAP.

The Air Quality Strategy (AQS) is a broader strategic plan that integrates relevant policies and plans into a city-wide strategy to improve air quality. You can read the AQS.

The development of these documents has been shaped by the community survey that was run earlier this year between February and April 2026.

Exeter City Council are now inviting further feedback from residents, businesses, and stakeholders to help shape the final versions of these plans.


This survey is now closed and the responses are being

analysed. The consultation findings along with a confirmed

strategy and action plan will be published by the end of

2026


Why we are asking for your views

Clean air is essential for a healthy and thriving city. While air quality in Exeter has improved significantly in recent years, there are still localised issues along busy roads and in certain neighbourhoods.

Through this consultation, we aim to understand from you:

  • Whether the proposed actions are clear, appropriate and effective.
  • If there are any gaps or additional ideas that should be considered.
  • Your views on priorities for improving air quality in Exeter.
  • How we can improve the accessibility and usefulness of air quality information shared.

Your feedback will help ensure these plans reflect local priorities, experiences, and practical realities.

How long is the survey open?

The survey will be open for 6 weeks from Friday 3rd July until Friday 14th August

How your feedback will be used

Your responses will be used to:

  • Refine and improve the final Air Quality Strategy and Action Plan
  • Confirm priorities and ensure actions are deliverable and effective
  • Support a transparent decision-making process

All feedback will be reviewed and summarised in a Consultation Report, which will be published alongside the final documents.


Drop-in Sessions

Exeter City Council are setting up a booth at the Historic Guildhall on the High Street during the consultation for drop-ins and discussions on the Air Quality Strategy and Action Plan.
Please drop in you would like to discuss your views in person or ask any questions.

The time and dates of the drop-in sessions are:

  • 13:00-16:00 Monday 3rd August
  • 10:00-13:00 Tuesday 4th August

Your feedback will be considered through the same process as the views gathered via the public consultation survey.

Page last updated: 17 Aug 2026, 08:28 AM