Greenwich Air Quality 2026Real-Time PM2.5 Monitor & Blackwall Tunnel Data
Check Greenwich air quality in real-time with live PM2.5, NO2, and traffic pollution monitoring. Blackwall Tunnel has 3 internal monitors. Silvertown Tunnel opened April 2026. Expert guide to improving indoor air quality in your Greenwich home.
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🌊 Greenwich Air Pollution Overview
Greenwich faces unique air quality challenges with the Blackwall Tunnel - one of London's busiest Thames crossings requiring 3 internal monitors for CO, NOx, and visibility 24/7. The Silvertown Tunnel opened April 2026, adding a new crossing with tolls. The borough is fully within the ULEZ zone (£12.50 daily charge since Aug 2023).
Key Greenwich Pollution Sources
- • Blackwall Tunnel: 3 internal monitors (CO, NOx, visibility) - enclosed environment traps emissions
- • A2 Corridor: Major route toward Kent carrying heavy through-traffic
- • Woolwich High Street: Local traffic and delivery vehicles
- • Greenwich Peninsula: Major development zone with construction traffic
Greenwich vs UK Air Quality Standards
| Pollutant | WHO Guideline | Greenwich Status | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 (annual) | 5 µg/m³ | ~10-12 µg/m³ average | Above WHO |
| NO₂ (annual) | 40 µg/m³ (UK legal limit) | Tunnel/A2 elevated | Hotspots exceed |
| CO (tunnel) | Safety critical | Monitored 24/7 | Continuously monitored |
Blackwall Tunnel's 3 internal monitors provide critical safety data. Silvertown Tunnel (April 2026) may redistribute traffic patterns across Greenwich.
🗺️ Check Nearby Locations
Compare air quality in nearby areas or explore other UK cities with live monitoring and pollution data.
🚗 Major Greenwich Pollution Hotspots
1. Blackwall Tunnel
Monitoring: 3 internal monitors (CO, NOx, visibility) operating 24/7
One of London's busiest Thames crossings with heavy traffic between Greenwich and Tower Hamlets. Enclosed tunnel environment traps emissions, requiring continuous monitoring for safety. Tolls planned for 2026 to manage demand.
2. Silvertown Tunnel (Opened April 2026)
Status: New Thames crossing with £2.20-£2.75 toll
Second river crossing between Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Docks. Air quality impact under evaluation - may reduce Blackwall congestion or shift traffic patterns. Modern ventilation systems designed for improved emissions management.
3. A2 Corridor
Pollution Level: Elevated NO2 from through-traffic
Major route carrying traffic toward Kent and Channel ports. Continuous high volume creates elevated pollution along the corridor. Properties directly alongside experience highest exposure.
4. Woolwich High Street
Pollution Level: Local traffic and delivery emissions
Town centre with retail activity generating delivery and bus traffic. Street canyon effect in parts of high street traps emissions. Elizabeth Line (opened 2022) improved public transport access.
🚇 Silvertown Tunnel Impact (April 2026)
The Silvertown Tunnel opened in April 2026 as a new Thames crossing between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks. User charges apply: £2.20 off-peak, £2.75 peak hours.
Air Quality Implications
- 📊 Traffic redistribution: May reduce Blackwall Tunnel congestion
- 💨 Modern ventilation: Designed with improved emissions management systems
- 💰 User charging: Tolls on both tunnels aim to manage demand
- 📈 Monitoring ongoing: TfL evaluating air quality impact across Greenwich
Blackwall Tunnel will also introduce tolls to create a unified charging system across both crossings, potentially reducing unnecessary trips and encouraging cleaner vehicle use.
💨 How to Protect Your Greenwich Home
MERV Air Purification for Greenwich Traffic Pollution
Greenwich residents near Blackwall Tunnel, A2, or Woolwich should prioritize indoor air filtration. MERV13/16 filters remove 85-95% of PM2.5 and traffic pollutants.
Recommended ACH (Air Changes per Hour) for Greenwich Homes
- 🛏️ Bedrooms near tunnel approaches: 5-6 ACH (Blackwall area)
- 🏠 Living rooms near A2: 5 ACH (elevated traffic corridor)
- 👶 Children's rooms: 6+ ACH (developing lungs more vulnerable)
- 🏢 Greenwich Peninsula flats: 4-5 ACH (development area)
DIY Air Purifier Options for Greenwich
🛠️ Corsi-Rosenthal Box (DIY)
Cost: £150-200
CADR: 200-400 m³/h
Parts: Available at local Screwfix, B&Q
Perfect for Greenwich homes on a budget. Uses 4-5 MERV13 filters taped to a box fan. Effective for bedrooms near Blackwall Tunnel or A2.
⭐ CleanAirKits MERV Purifiers
Cost: From £149
CADR: 300-600 m³/h
Pre-built MERV purifiers designed for UK homes. Quieter than DIY, professional performance.
Shop MERV Purifiers →📊 Greenwich-Specific Air Quality Tips
- ✅ Tunnel approaches: Extra filtration needed for homes near Blackwall entrances
- ✅ Rush hour avoidance: Keep windows closed 7-9am, 5-7pm on A2
- ✅ Silvertown monitoring: Check for updated traffic patterns post-April 2026
- ✅ ULEZ impact: Air quality improving, but tunnels remain challenging
❓ Greenwich Air Quality FAQs
What is the air quality in Greenwich today?
Use our free real-time air quality monitor above to check current Greenwich air quality. You will see live PM2.5, NO2, Universal AQI, and UK DAQI data, updated hourly. Blackwall Tunnel has 3 internal monitors tracking CO, NOx, and visibility 24/7.
Is Greenwich air pollution bad?
Greenwich has moderate air pollution with hotspots at Blackwall Tunnel (3 internal monitors), A2 corridor, and Woolwich. ULEZ enforcement (£12.50 daily since Aug 2023) has driven improvements. Silvertown Tunnel opened April 2026 with modern ventilation systems.
How does Blackwall Tunnel affect local air quality?
Blackwall Tunnel is one of London's busiest Thames crossings, requiring 3 internal monitors for CO, NOx, and visibility 24/7. The enclosed tunnel environment traps emissions. Homes near tunnel approaches experience elevated pollution. Tolls planned for 2026 may reduce demand.
How can I improve indoor air quality in Greenwich?
Use MERV13/16 air purifiers to remove 85-95% of PM2.5, NO2, and traffic pollutants indoors. Aim for 5-6 ACH in bedrooms and living spaces near tunnels or A2. Check our monitor before opening windows - only ventilate when outdoor AQI is below 50.