Air pollution is the greatest environmental risk to human health in the UK responsible for an estimated 26,000 to 38,000 early deaths each year. Oxford has recognised air quality challenges, with the whole city declared as an Air Quality Management Area in 2010. Since that time air quality has improved, however our knowledge of health harms has advanced and air pollution still represents a risk to those living, working and visiting the city. 

We present findings from the OxAria study a multidisciplinary research collaboration between the University of Birmingham, University of Oxford, Oxfordshire County and City Councils and Ricardo Plc. We consider the trends and patterns of air pollution over time and across the city and explore how the COVID-19 pandemic provided new insights. We consider the health implications and the benefits which may be achieved through coordinated local government policy actions.