Southend-on-Sea Air Quality 2026Real-Time Monitor & AQMA Data
Check Southend-on-Sea air quality live. Two Air Quality Management Areas on the A127 corridor. 25 monitoring sites tracking NO2 and PM2.5 across Essex's coastal city.
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Southend-on-Sea Air Pollution Overview
Southend-on-Sea (population 295,310) has two declared Air Quality Management Areas where nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels have historically exceeded the UK annual mean objective of 40 µg/m³. The primary pollution source is road traffic on major routes including the A127, A13, and A1159.
The good news: NO2 levels at Bell Junction have decreased by 69% since the AQMA was declared in 2016. The Council's Air Quality Action Plan (adopted 2018, refreshed 2024) continues to drive improvements through transport and planning measures.
📍 Air Quality Management Areas
AQMA No. 1: The Bell Junction
Also known as "Cuckoo Corner"
- Location: A127 / Hobleythick Lane / Rochford Road junction
- Declared: November 2016
- Pollutant: Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
- Progress: 69% NO2 reduction since declaration
AQMA No. 2: Victoria Avenue
A127 corridor section
- Location: A127 near East Street, West Street, Priory Crescent, Fairfax Drive
- Declared: December 2020
- Pollutant: Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
- Status: Active monitoring with precautionary boundary
🔬 Monitoring Network
Southend City Council operates continuous roadside monitoring near both AQMAs, supplemented by a network of diffusion tubes measuring monthly NO2 concentrations across the city.
📋 Air Quality Action Plan
Southend's Air Quality Action Plan focuses on four key areas:
🚗 Local Transport
Traffic management, EV infrastructure, public transport improvements
🛣️ Highways
Road improvements, traffic flow optimisation, junction redesign
🏗️ Land Use Planning
Air quality assessments for new developments, mitigation conditions
💚 Public Health
Awareness campaigns, health advice during high pollution episodes
First adopted June 2018 | Refreshed 2024 | Annual reviews by internal steering group
🏠 Protect Your Indoor Air Quality
While outdoor air quality improves, protect your home from traffic pollution near the A127 corridor. MERV13/16 air purifiers remove 85-95% of NO2 and PM2.5 particles that penetrate indoors.
Calculate Your Needs
Find out how many air changes per hour (ACH) you need for your room size.
ACH Calculator →🗺️ Check Nearby Locations
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❓ Southend-on-Sea Air Quality FAQs
What are Southend-on-Sea's Air Quality Management Areas?
Southend has 2 AQMAs declared for NO2 exceedances: (1) The Bell Junction (Cuckoo Corner) at A127/Hobleythick Lane/Rochford Road junction, declared November 2016, with 69% NO2 reduction since declaration. (2) Victoria Avenue on the A127 near East Street/West Street junctions, declared December 2020. Both target the 40 µg/m³ annual mean NO2 objective.
What is the main source of air pollution in Southend?
Road traffic is the primary source of Southend's air pollution, particularly from the A127, A13, and A1159 major roads. Diesel vehicles contribute the most to NO2 emissions. The Council monitors 25 semi-permanent diffusion tube sites plus 8 temporary locations to track pollution levels across the city.
Is Southend-on-Sea air quality improving?
Yes, significantly. The Bell Junction AQMA has seen a 69% reduction in NO2 levels since 2016. Southend adopted its first Air Quality Action Plan in June 2018 and refreshed it in 2024 with measures targeting transport, highways, and land use planning to continue improvements.
How can I protect my family from Southend air pollution?
Use MERV13/16 air purifiers indoors to remove 85-95% of NO2 and PM2.5. Aim for 5-6 Air Changes per Hour (ACH) in bedrooms. Check our real-time monitor before opening windows - ventilate when AQI is below 50, run purifiers when above 50. Avoid exercising near the A127 during rush hours.