Air quality
We work to monitor and improve air quality in Maidstone. We follow the government’s Local Authority Air Quality Management (LAQM) objectives to help keep the air safe.
Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs)
Some areas in Maidstone have more air pollution than others. These are called Air Quality Management Areas.
We have one AQMA in Maidstone, located in Upper Stone Street. It was created because levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) are too high in this area.
We check levels of:
- NO2 across the borough
- Particulate Matter (PM10, small particles in the air) in Upper Stone Street
Upper Stone Street is the only place where NO2 is above the target level. PM10 levels in this area are within government limits.
You can find more details about AQMAs on the DEFRA website.
Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP)
Our Air Quality Action Plan explains how we plan to improve air quality in Maidstone. It sets out our goals for 2023 to 2028.
Status reports
Our monthly and annual status reports show how air quality is changing and if we are meeting our goals.
Other resources
The KentAir website gives information about air quality. You can check pollution levels, maps, and forecasts for Kent and Medway.
The Pollution Patrol includes games and activities to help children learn about air pollution.
The Clean Air Academy has advice on how air pollution affects your health and how to stay safe.