Clean Air Act

Urban air quality earlier this century was extremely poor with frequent episodes of smog and sulphur fumes from industrial chimneys and stacks. When the London Smog Incident occurred in 1952, lasting for 5 days and contributing to more than 4000 deaths, the Government appointed a committee to study air pollution. The eventual result was the Clean Air Act 1956, extended by the Clean Air Act 1968. These Acts constituted the operative legislation against pollution by smoke, grit and dust from domestic fires and commercial and industrial processes not covered by other legislation. They also regulated the combustion of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels and controlled the heights of new chimneys.

The 1956 and 1968 Acts have now been consolidated and their provisions re-enacted in the Clean Air Act 1993.

Please note: These statements are for your assistance and may not be complete for your company’s particular circumstances. If in any doubt you are advised to consult your local Groundwork office or the Environment Agency to ensure that any action you take is within the law.

Environment Agency:
Northwest Regional office (Warrington) – 01925 653 999
Sub-regional offices:
Northern area office (Carlisle) – 01228 25151
Central area office (Preston) – 01772 339882
Southern area office (Sale) – 0161 973 2237