A busy street in Leeds has been dubbed the “most polluted street in the UK outside London” due to its high air quality levels.
IQAir, an organisation that collects information about air quality across the globe, states that Neville Street in the city centre had a nitrogen dioxide level of 99. The pollutant is linked to health issues such as lung and respiratory diseases and early deaths.
The recommended safe level of Nitrogen dioxide, which comes from traffic fumes and, along with other pollution such as particulate matter, is 40 ug/m3. The road has long standing problems with air pollution and it was reported in 2019 that the pollution levels in Neville Street were 88 ug/m3.
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There are roadworks across the city centre including underway in Neville Street as part of a multi-million pound redevelopment of the entrance to Leeds station and as the city prepares for the permanent closure to traffic in February 2023. However, under the plans, the street will be revamped with new pedestrian and cycle friendly routes but this has seen drivers complain about being stuck in hours of traffic as they drive through the city centre.
A statement on IQAir reads: “Leeds was one of several cities whose air quality exceeded the recommended level suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO). Neville Street was stated as being the most polluted street in the UK, outside London. It was found to have a level of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) of 99 ug/m3). This is more than twice the recommended safe level of 40 ug/m3.
The website continued: “These are many sources of pollution in all major cities, but the largest source in Leeds city centre comes from vehicle emissions. Other sources are from the construction industry, open fires and central heating boilers. Tyre and brake pad wear is also known to add to the mixture.
“Leeds City Council is openly encouraging all drivers to switch off their engines when parked or stuck in gridlocked traffic. This is of particular importance around schools and taxi ranks. People often leave their engines running so that the heater or air conditioner can still be operated. Some of the newer vehicles have an auto stop/start system fitted as standard. This feature automatically turns off the engine once the car stops moving, but restarts at the touch of the accelerator.”
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