Last Updated: December 3, 2024
Newport Air Quality Monitoring System (Image: Newport City Council)
Newport City Council has pioneered a groundbreaking initiative by installing the UK’s first network of smart air quality monitors across the city. The innovative Eco Post air sensors, mounted on lampposts, display real-time air quality levels through an intuitive colour-coded light system.
Five sensors have already been strategically placed throughout Newport, including locations at Caerphilly Road, Malpas Road, and High Cross Primary School, with a sixth sensor planned for Maindee. The monitors measure nitrogen dioxide and other pollutants, providing hourly updates using colours ranging from green (cleanest) to purple (most polluted).
Councillor Yvonne Forsey, cabinet member for climate change and biodiversity, said: “Part of our air quality work is about making sure residents know what the air quality in their area is like. The Eco Post air sensors do this by providing an easily accessible indicator of how the air is around their location. We’re hopeful that the sensors will encourage people to think about the air quality in their area, and how they can make choices that help keep pollution levels low.”
This visual approach aims to raise awareness and encourage residents to make more environmentally conscious decisions in their daily lives. The system uses the UK government’s daily air quality index (DAQI), with green indicating low pollution, amber for moderate, red for high, and purple for very high levels.
