The development and operation of the United Kingdom's air quality management regime

This paper considers the development and operation of the UK’s air quality management regime since its introduction in the Environment Act, 1995. In the context of a changing and challenging air pollution climate, the development of an effects-based, risk management system for air quality regulation is evaluated. Key to the regime is the division of responsibility between central government and local government for both the diagnosis of areas of poor air quality and for the development of solutions to improve air quality.