The main cause of pollution in Middlesbrough is traffic. Although emission limits set for new cars are reducing the pollutants being emitted, this is counteracted by the increasing number of cars on our roads. Controls on industry place limits on the emissions produced, and permits, regulation, and enforcement ensure these limits are adhered to.

Air quality in Middlesbrough is monitored at two static sites. We also have a network of tubes across the town which measure the levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is usually associated with vehicle emissions.

If you're worried about emissions like smoke or dust from residential, commercial, or industrial chimneys, you can report this to the Public Protection Service.

You can also report odours from commercial or industrial premises. The laws on air pollution and nuisance do not include odours from residential properties, so we would not usually investigate these.

Reporting air pollution

You can let us know about a problem with air pollution using Report It. Choose 'Air Quality & Smoke Pollution' from the drop-down menu, then tick 'Air quality complaint'.