Air pollution hotspots identified on some of Barnsley’s busiest roads
Levels of nitrogen dioxide - a gas linked to vehicle emissions - are too high at three locations in the town
Last updated 9th Jan 2026
Air pollution linked to traffic remains a concern in parts of Barnsley, with monitoring identifying a small number of roadside hotspots on some of the borough’s busiest roads, according to council documents.
Barnsley Council has launched a public consultation on its draft Air Quality Action Plan for 2025 to 2030, which sets out how it intends to tackle pollution over the next five years. Residents are being asked to share their views before the consultation closes on February 1.
Monitoring data from 2024 shows nitrogen dioxide levels remain above the UK annual limit at three locations. The highest readings were recorded on two stretches of Harborough Hill Road, as well as on Sheffield Road in the town centre. Nitrogen dioxide is closely linked to vehicle emissions and can aggravate respiratory conditions, particularly for people living close to busy roads.
The council says Barnsley’s air quality problems are typical of urban areas, with road transport identified as the main source of pollution. Several areas of the borough are already designated as Air Quality Management Areas, including stretches of the M1 motorway, Dodworth Road, Harborough Hill Road, parts of Langsett and key junctions near the town centre, where pollution levels have historically exceeded legal limits.
According to the draft plan, cars and heavy goods vehicles are responsible for a large share of emissions at these locations, although the balance varies from place to place. In Langsett, for example, freight traffic plays a bigger role, while private cars are the dominant source closer to the town centre.
Council modelling suggests that, even without further intervention, pollution levels at the worst sites are expected to fall below the national limit by 2026 or 2027 as vehicle technology improves. However, the authority says local action is still needed to make sure those improvements happen sooner, prevent air quality from worsening elsewhere and reduce the health impacts of pollution.
The proposed measures include supporting South Yorkshire-wide bus reforms aimed at introducing cleaner vehicles, encouraging people to switch away from private car use, and promoting walking, cycling and lower-emission vehicles such as electric cars. The council says reducing traffic volumes, even by a small percentage, could make a noticeable difference at the most polluted roadside locations.
The action plan also links air quality to wider public health concerns. While Barnsley currently meets national standards for fine particulate pollution, the council notes there is no safe level for these particles and that long-term exposure is associated with increased mortality. Officials say tackling traffic emissions can help reduce both nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter at the same time.
The draft plan will be reviewed every five years, with progress reported annually. Residents can view the proposals and complete an online survey as part of the consultation process.