VTX Air: Transforming air quality monitoring for local authorities

Credit: Vortex

Our innovative air quality monitoring solution is designed to provide hyperlocal data on multiple sources of air pollution in real-time. We are dedicated to supporting local authorities across the UK, with a significant presence in South Wales and London, and a growing footprint in the north of England. Our mission is to empower local authorities with data-driven insights to combat climate change and safeguard the wellbeing of their communities.

VTX Air monitors excel in helping local authorities to identify pollution hotspots, enabling them to focus their efforts where they matter most. With precise data at their fingertips, they can prioritise interventions and improve air quality in the areas that need it urgently.

The question often asked is: why do local authorities need a new arm of air quality monitoring methods? Traditional air quality monitoring systems in the UK are limited by their scope, with only approximately 440 Automatic Urban and Rural Network (AURN) stations scattered across the country, typically one station for every town or city. While there are plans to expand this network, the existing infrastructure often needs to provide the spatial resolution required to address the dynamic nature of air quality.

Similar to diffusion tubes, which are cheap, readings are typically based on averages, which can obscure short-term spikes or localised pollution events, leading to crucial data gaps in certain areas. Although these AURN stations offer high accuracy, they come at a steep cost, making them more practical for local authorities seeking an affordable and comprehensive solution that can cover their entire borough.

VTX Air bridges this gap, offering real-time, hyperlocal data at a more accessible price point, enabling local authorities to make informed decisions and take action to improve air quality across their entire jurisdiction. They can do this by accessing our bespoke data portal, which gives them the power to dive deep into comprehensive data analysis capabilities to identify patterns and trends in air quality. This data-driven approach leads to more informed policymaking and continuous optimisation of environmental efforts.

In 2021, Vortex was acquired by Marston Holdings, marking a pivotal moment in our journey. With this acquisition, we provide a unique end-to-end solution for local authorities.

We seamlessly integrate our technology with our sister company, Videalert, known for intelligent traffic management and solution cameras. This synergy enables us to support road safety and air quality initiatives – such as Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), school streets and clean air zones – providing an unprecedented insight into the road network, as well as an environmental aspect.

We go beyond just monitoring; we offer pre- and post-implementation data to validate the success of these interventions. This ensures councils can track how good or bad their initiatives are having on the air that we breathe, particularly in vulnerable locations where people – such as children, the elderly or the sick – are most affected by poor air quality.

Our consultancy arm, Project Centre, is at the heart of our success. It designs green and urban spaces that support these interventions while launching engagement programmes to educate the public. Raising awareness is crucial in fostering public support, and it can determine either a collective effort to inherit environmentally friendly habits or cause a major divide between the community and the authorities.

Recently, we have deployed 50 air quality monitors in Cardiff, strategically placed outside 26 schools. This data will determine the next steps that Cardiff can take to target locations that require measures to improve air quality; for example, implementing school streets, which is an initiative that restricts vehicle access on school drop-off and pick-up times. This, in turn, also improves road safety and encourages active travel.

The collected data serves as unquestionable evidence for decision-makers. It makes the case for stringent traffic initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, promoting a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone. VTX Air is the bridge between data, action and a brighter, more sustainable future.