Air quality monitoring

We are responsible for air quality monitoring within the district to measure local levels of air pollution.

Continuous monitoring

We have previously used continuous monitors in an urban background location (High Wycombe) and within a localised 'hotspot' in West Wycombe Village. Both of these sites have recently been decommissioned since there have been no recorded breaches of our air quality objectives. We are currently finalising two new monitoring locations within High Wycombe so as to monitor other 'hotspots' identified by our passive diffusion tube network. These are in addition to the continuous air quality monitor located alongside the M40 in Stokenchurch within our Air Quality Management Area.

All continuous monitoring data is collated, analysed and audited by a third party and is available from the Air Quality England website below.

Non continuous monitoring

Non continuous or passive monitoring is measured by the use of diffusion tubes. This common method of monitoring airborne pollutants provides a monthly average figure of exposure. The tubes are small and lightweight and can be used anywhere, often attached to street furniture such as lamp posts. Wycombe's current diffusion tube network is used mainly to monitor nitrogen dioxide in 37 locations throughout the district.