The RBWM is carrying out a series of air quality checks in an apparent response to a petition by residents.

Air-quality sensors have been installed in the Royal Borough to monitor the levels of particulate matter in a set area and will help to enhance the existing nitrogen dioxide monitoring network.

The petition, which received more than 2,000 signatures, was launched in 2022 and has taken two years to act upon. It was debated at Full Council later in 2022, where a commitment was made to add the additional monitoring stations for particulate matter.

The five sites where the additional sensors have been installed are:

• Bridge Road, Maidenhead – between Ray Street and Oldfield Road
• Windsor Road, Bray – between Priors Way and M4 flyover
• Clarence Road/Goslar Way/Royal Windsor Way Roundabout, Windsor
• St Leonard’s Road, Windsor– near Prince Albert PH
• Wraysbury Road, Wraysbury – just south east of M25

These locations had been previously highlighted as needing additional monitoring. The sensors have the capacity to be relocated and moved if needed. Residents are able to view the air quality readings at the sensor sites in the borough via the Air Quality England website. Read more in the RBWM press release.

The question has to be asked what can the council do to improve air quality other than restrict the number of car movements somehow? Does the coucil have the power to do so? Or will it now be seeking them to impose low emissions zones?