Waverley Borough Council is supporting Clean Air Day 2026 (Thursday 18 June), helping to raise awareness of air pollution and encouraging simple actions that can make a big difference to everyone’s health.

Clean Air Day is the UK’s largest air pollution awareness campaign, bringing together councils, communities and organisations to highlight the impact of polluted air and inspire positive change.

Taking action for cleaner air

Across Waverley, we are continuing our work to improve air quality and protect the health of residents. This includes monitoring pollution levels, delivering our Air Quality Action Plan and working with partners to reduce emissions in areas such as Farnham and Godalming.

Air pollution is linked to a range of serious health conditions, particularly for children, older people and those with existing health issues. That’s why tackling it is a key priority for the council and part of our wider commitment to a greener, healthier borough.

What you can do

Clean Air Day is an opportunity for everyone to take small, practical steps to improve air quality, such as:

• Walking, cycling or using public transport instead of driving
• Avoiding engine idling when parked
• Choosing cleaner ways to heat your home
• Sharing information with friends and family

Even simple changes can help reduce harmful pollution and create cleaner, healthier neighbourhoods.

Cllr Adam Duce, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, said:

“Clean Air Day is a great opportunity for us all to think about the impact our everyday choices have on the air we breathe. Air pollution affects everyone’s health, particularly the most vulnerable in our communities.

“By making small changes - whether that’s how we travel, how we heat our homes or the choices we make day to day - we can all play a part in improving air quality and protecting the wellbeing of our families and neighbours.”

There are currently 44 public EV charging bays in Waverley with more to be added in due course. The council also has 71 on-street charging bays currently in use as part of a major Surrey trial.

In its efforts to improve air quality, the council has developed an Air Quality Action Plan and a Clean Air Strategy which look to tackle air quality in the borough over the next five years. It is also working jointly with partners in Surrey, including Surrey County Council and the NHS, to promote schools active travel, tackle highway concerns and support public health initiatives.

Find out more about what we are doing in Waverley to improve air quality and how you can help by visiting our webpage Air Quality | Waverley Borough Council.  You can find out more about Clean Air Day by visiting Action for clean air by Global Action Plan.

Coming soon: AirTEXT alerts

We’ll also be introducing AirTEXT in Waverley/Guildford soon - a free air quality alert service that provides real-time updates and forecasts of pollution levels direct to your phone or email. It’s designed to help residents, particularly those with health conditions, take simple steps to reduce their exposure and stay well when pollution levels are higher. Keep an eye on our social media and website to find out more…