Exploring how air quality and environmental attitudes influence acceptance of local clean air transport policies

In the UK, the transport sector is a major contributor to air pollution, and associated pollution remains one of the most serious environmental risks to public health. As cities transition to more sustainable transport systems, gaining public support for measures that restrict car use and encourage modal shift to alternative modes remains a key challenge. Understanding public attitudes is crucial for creating policies that are not only effective but also socially acceptable. This study examines how air quality perceptions and environmental attitudes shape support for clean air and sustainable transport interventions in Birmingham, UK. A mixed methods approach was employed, combining an assessment of local air quality trends with a survey of 176 residents to capture their attitudinal, behavioural and contextual factors at play. The findings show high levels of concern about local air quality and support for enabling investments in public transport and active travel infrastructure. However, persistent motonormative attitudes and polarisation around restrictive policies such as congestion charges and traffic filtering schemes reveal potential social and political challenges of reducing car dependency. These patterns highlight the importance of equitable policy design, clearer public communication, and long term efforts to shift mobility norms. Overall, the findings indicate that reducing traffic-related emissions in Birmingham will require an effective coordinated strategy integrating infrastructure investment, affordability improvements, enhanced safety, and cultural change to support sustainable travel behaviours.