Nottingham Air Quality 2025Real-Time PM2.5 Monitor & Pollution Data
Check Nottingham air quality in real-time with live PM2.5, NO2, and traffic pollution monitoring for Nottinghamshire. Expert guide to improving indoor air quality in your Nottingham home.
Live Air Quality
Powered by Google Air Quality API • 100% Free
🚧 Nottingham Air Pollution Overview
Nottingham experiences good to moderate air pollution, primarily from traffic congestion on the A52 corridor and M1 motorway. The city currently meets WHO annual PM2.5 guidelines (~6 µg/m³), but pollution varies significantly based on proximity to major highways.
Key Nottingham Pollution Sources
- • A52 Corridor (Primary Source): Major Nottingham-Derby commuter route, currently undergoing resurfacing (May 2025-Spring 2026)
- • M1 Motorway: Alongside A52, forms Greater Nottingham's main pollution source
- • Roadside Properties: Homes directly alongside A52/M1 corridors experience highest PM2.5 and NO2 levels
- • Long-range Transport: PM2.5 influenced by regional pollution patterns across East Midlands
Nottingham vs UK Air Quality Standards
| Pollutant | WHO Guideline | Nottingham Average | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 (current) | 5 µg/m³ | ~6 µg/m³ | Good (meets annual WHO guideline) |
| NO₂ (current) | 40 µg/m³ (UK legal limit) | 5 ppb (~9 µg/m³) | Good |
| PM10 | 15 µg/m³ | 14 µg/m³ | Good |
| Overall AQI | 0-50 (Good) | 20-55 | Good to Moderate |
Nottingham's air quality has improved significantly: 2024 AQI was 37 (18% better than 2022 peak of 46). However, 15 road sections nationwide (including some Nottingham PCM links) still exceed 40 µg/m³ NO2 legal limits. National Highways confirmed 27 road links compliant in past 12 months, showing "ongoing improvements in measured NO2 concentrations."
🚧 A52 Major Roadworks Alert (May 2025-Spring 2026)
⚠️ A52 Resurfacing Project - Traffic & Pollution Impact
Timeline: May 19, 2025 → Spring 2026
Major upgrade project between Priory and QMC roundabouts. Eastbound one-way system in place 24/7. Westbound closure (Priory–QMC) through late 2025. Expect increased congestion and temporary pollution spikes in surrounding residential areas.
Project Scope & Traffic Management
- ✅ Resurfacing: Complete road renewal between Priory-QMC roundabouts
- ✅ New Infrastructure: Cycleway/footway, LED lighting, drainage improvements
- ✅ Junction Upgrades: Nottingham Knight and Wheatcroft junctions (capacity improvements)
- ⚠️ Lane Closures: 24/7 restrictions with weekend disruptions
- ⚠️ Pollution Impact: Diverted traffic may increase PM2.5/NO2 in residential areas
🏠 Indoor Air Quality During Roadworks
If you live near the A52 corridor, MERV air purifiers are essential during this 11-month construction period. Expect temporary pollution increases from idling traffic, diverted routes, and construction dust. Run purifiers on high during weekday rush hours (7-9am, 5-7pm).
🚗 Major Nottingham Traffic Pollution Hotspots
1. A52 Corridor (Nottingham-Derby Route)
Pollution Level: Primary air quality concern (NO2 and PM2.5)
Main commuter route connecting Nottingham and Derby with high daily traffic volumes. Properties directly alongside A52 experience worst air quality in Greater Nottingham. Currently undergoing major resurfacing (May 2025-Spring 2026) causing temporary traffic disruption and pollution spikes.
2. M1 Motorway & Junctions
Pollution Level: Moderate to High (traffic-dominated NO2 source)
M1 forms Nottingham's eastern pollution boundary with 100,000+ daily vehicles. National Highways monitors multiple Nottingham PCM (Pollution Climate Mapping) links: #17304, #37416, #56557. Residential areas near M1 junctions experience elevated PM2.5 during rush hours.
3. Nottingham City Centre
Pollution Level: Moderate (monitored by Nottingham Centre station)
Urban core with moderate traffic congestion. Current AQI 20-55 (Good to Moderate). Nottingham Centre monitoring station shows improved levels compared to 2022 peak. City implementing long-term Air Quality Strategy (2020-2030) and Action Plan (2018-2023, updated July 2024).
4. Residential Areas Alongside Highways
Pollution Level: Highest PM2.5 exposure for Nottingham residents
Broxtowe Borough Council 2024 Air Quality Report specifically identifies properties "located directly alongside M1 and A52 corridors" as primary concern. These homes experience worst air quality in Greater Nottingham due to proximity to high-volume traffic routes.
📊 Nottingham Air Quality Trends (2020-2025)
Nottingham's air quality has shown significant improvement since 2022 peak, with current levels meeting WHO annual PM2.5 guidelines.
| Year | Annual AQI | Change vs Previous Year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 36 | Baseline |
| 2021 | 37 | +3% (worse) |
| 2022 (Peak) | 46 | +24% (worse) |
| 2023 | 45 | -2% (better) |
| 2024 | 37 | -18% (better) |
| 2025 (partial) | 41 | +11% (worse, but A52 roadworks impact) |
Overall 2020-2025: 4% AQI rise, but significant improvement from 2022 peak. The 2024 drop (18% improvement) reflects post-pandemic traffic normalization and emission reduction measures. 2025 uptick likely due to A52 roadworks disruption.
💨 How to Protect Your Nottingham Home
MERV Air Purification for Nottingham Traffic Pollution
Nottingham residents near the A52, M1, or city centre should prioritize indoor air filtration, especially during the A52 roadworks (through Spring 2026). MERV13/16 filters remove 85-95% of PM2.5 and traffic pollutants.
Recommended ACH (Air Changes per Hour) for Nottingham Homes
- 🛏️ Bedrooms near A52/M1: 5-6 ACH (highest pollution exposure, critical during roadworks)
- 🏠 Living rooms (moderate pollution): 4-5 ACH
- 👶 Children's rooms: 6+ ACH (developing lungs more vulnerable)
- 🏢 City centre flats: 4-5 ACH (moderate pollution levels)
DIY Air Purifier Options for Nottingham
🛠️ Corsi-Rosenthal Box (DIY)
Cost: £150-200
CADR: 200-400 m³/h
Parts: Available at Nottingham Screwfix, B&Q
Perfect for Nottingham homes on a budget. Uses 4-5 MERV13 filters taped to a box fan. Essential for bedrooms near A52 during roadworks.
⭐ CleanAirKits MERV Purifiers
Cost: From £149
CADR: 300-600 m³/h
Promo: STAROFFER (10% off)
Pre-built MERV purifiers designed for UK homes. Quieter than DIY, professional performance for Nottinghamshire pollution.
Shop MERV Purifiers →📊 Nottingham-Specific Air Quality Tips
- ✅ A52 roadworks caution: Run purifiers 24/7 if near Priory-QMC corridor (through Spring 2026)
- ✅ Rush hour avoidance: Keep windows closed 7-9am, 5-7pm near A52/M1
- ✅ Check monitor before ventilating: Only open windows when AQI < 50
- ✅ Long-term improvement: 18% AQI improvement since 2022, but monitor daily during construction
❓ Nottingham Air Quality FAQs
What is the air quality in Nottingham today?
Use our free real-time air quality monitor above to check current Nottingham air quality. You will see live PM2.5, NO2, Universal AQI, and UK DAQI data for Nottingham, updated hourly from DEFRA monitoring stations at Nottingham Centre and multiple locations across Nottinghamshire.
Is Nottingham air pollution bad?
Nottingham currently has good air pollution levels with PM2.5 at ~6 micrograms per cubic metre (just above WHO guideline of 5). The city meets annual WHO PM2.5 guidelines. Primary pollution sources are the A52 corridor (connecting Nottingham-Derby), M1 motorway, and residential properties directly alongside these highways.
When is Nottingham air quality worst?
Nottingham air quality is worst during weekday rush hours (7-9am, 5-7pm) on the A52 and M1. The A52 is undergoing major resurfacing works through Spring 2026, causing traffic disruption and temporary pollution spikes. Winter months see elevated pollution from domestic heating.
How can I improve indoor air quality in Nottingham?
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. DIY Corsi-Rosenthal Boxes cost £150-200 with parts from local Screwfix or B&Q. Check our monitor before opening windows - only ventilate when outdoor AQI is below 50. If you live near the A52 or M1, year-round air filtration is essential, especially during the A52 roadworks.