Commercial cooking from restaurants, hotels, pubs, and takeaways is the largest single source of PM2.5 pollution in the London Borough of Camden, states a new council report as part of a public consultation on an updated clean air action plan.
Buildings used by businesses “are now the largest source of air pollution, both from the way they are heated and also from kitchens”, says Camden.
The hot food industry in the borough produces more than 28 per cent of PM2.5 — a type of pollution that is responsible for around seven per cent of deaths in the borough.
Motor vehicles are still a major cause of air pollution in Camden “but the combination of cleaner engines, electric vehicles, and better cycling and walking infrastructure means the total amount of pollution from vehicles has reduced”.
However, the council says it will step up enforcement action and strengthen the “deterrent for vehicle engine idling in Camden”.
Engine idling is illegal, against the Highway Code, and harms the health of the drivers, their passengers, and people near the vehicle. “In places with heavy engine idling, such as schools, health centres, and high streets, this poses a long-term health risk”.
The draft clean air action plan includes a new focus on “being better prepared for pollution incidents”, “a greater focus on indoor air quality”, “tackling a wider range of pollution sources (e.g. street food markets, filming, public events)”, and “better linking clean air and climate action”.
To tackle air pollution from commercial premises, including emissions from kitchens, the council will explore “tighter planning and licensing controls, and more robust enforcement of Building Regulations and Environmental Health legislation”.
A 105 page action plan sets out how the council will improve air quality and public health between 2027 and 2030.
A public consultation on the Camden’s Draft Clean Air Action Plan 2027-2030 is open until 13 September 2026.
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