High Barnet air pollution halves since 2013 as ULEZ and EV points expand
Nitrogen dioxide levels on High Street fell to 25.3 in 2025, down from 51 in 2013, while 2,045 charge points now serve the borough
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High Street in High Barnet recorded a nitrogen dioxide reading of 25.3 in 2025, down from 51 in 2013. Barnet Council’s scientific services carried out the tests, which also showed lower levels than on major routes such as Hendon Way.
The council attributes the improvement to the Ultra Low Emission Zone expansion in August 2023. A report by the Mayor of London estimated a 21% reduction in nitrogen dioxide across outer London boroughs after the change.
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Electric vehicles and charge points
Barnet Council installed 2,045 electric-vehicle charge points by the end of 2025. Over 500 of these are attached to lamp posts, including a set in Union Street provided by operator char.gy.
Lamp-post points take 8 to 12 hours to charge a vehicle and are intended for overnight use. Residents without off-street parking can request an installation by emailing EVCharging@Barnet.gov.uk.
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Play streets return
Five applications for temporary play streets were made in 2025. The first in High Barnet was approved in April for a cul-de-sac on Calvert Road, which is now closed to traffic on Sunday mornings.
Barnet Council promotes the scheme to reduce traffic and exhaust emissions in residential areas. Residents can apply through the council’s website.
Questions this report answers
+What is the nitrogen dioxide level on High Street now?
Barnet Council recorded 25.3 in 2025, down from 51 in 2013. The drop follows the 2023 ULEZ expansion and increased use of electric vehicles. Monitoring continues at several borough locations.
+How many electric-vehicle charge points does Barnet have?
Barnet Council installed 2,045 charge points by the end of 2025. Over 500 are on lamp posts, including an installation in Union Street. Residents can request a new point by email.
+What is a play street and where has one started in High Barnet?
A play street closes a minor road to traffic at set times so children can play safely. In April 2025, Calvert Road in High Barnet became a Sunday-morning play space after a resident application.
+How did the 2023 ULEZ expansion affect air quality?
The Mayor of London reported a 21% reduction in nitrogen dioxide across outer London boroughs after the August 2023 expansion. Barnet Council’s readings on High Street reflect the trend.
Barnet Press News Desk
This article was written at the Barnet Press news desk from the reporting of the outlets listed below it. Drafting is done by a language model under human editorial supervision — there is no reporter behind this byline, and we would rather say so than invent one.
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