Air pollution 'dangerously high' in parts of the South West

Air pollution levels in some parts of the West Country are almost double what they should be, according to shocking new research by Friends of the Earth.

The campaign group says young people across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Bristol and Dorset are breathing in 'unforgivably high' levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2).

Quay Road in Tideford, Cornwall, recorded the highest level - with 73.6 micrograms of pollutant in one cubic metre of air. This is well above the recommended level of 40ug/m3.

Friends of the Earth says high levels of NO2 can cause a flare up of asthma or symptoms such as coughing and difficulty breathing.

Temple Cloud in Somerset, Dean Prior in Devon and St Pauls in Bristol were also highlighted as having higher than average levels of NO2.

Friends of the Earth is campaigning for 'clean air zones' to be rolled out in far more places than currently planned, supported by measures such as improved infrastructure to support safe cycling and walking.

The group says removing certain types of vehicles would also contribute to reducing carbon emissions and fighting climate change.

Bath and North East Somerset Council is considering introducing a clean air zone, after an “unprecedented” response to a public consultation.

The council has been told to reduce nitrogen dioxide levels in the city in the “shortest possible time”, and by 2021 at the latest.

The council received more than 8,400 responses to its clean air zone consultation, forcing it to delay a decision due before the deadline at the end of last year.

• Quay Road, Tideford – 73.6ug/m3

• A37 Temple Cloud, Bath & NE Somerset – 67

• A38, Dean Prior, South Hams – 66.3

• Ashley Road St. Pauls, Bristol – 65.1

• St Thomas Road, Launceston – 62.4

• Air Balloon roundabout, near Birdlip, Cotswold – 61.4

• Newfoundland Way, Bristol – 61.2

• East Wonford Hill, Exeter – 59

• Chideock Main Street, West Dorset – 58.9

• Mill Road, Tideford, Cornwall – 58.8