Air quality improves in Lincoln, research shows

Air quality in Lincoln has improved over the past ten years, according to new research published in the Lincolnshire Echo.

The newspaper reported that nitrogen dioxide readings have fallen at nine out of the ten junctions monitored by the city's council over the last decade.

Levels of the pollutant are now within safe limits, which should reduce the risk of health problems caused by emissions for people suffering from breathing difficulties.

Ian Wickes, pollution control officer at the council, told the publication that improved road technology is one of the reasons that nitrogen dioxide levels have dropped.

For example, the junction at Broadgate has been changed and Clasketgate has been made into a one-way street.

"This has sped up the time it takes a vehicle to pass through the junction. The less time traffic spends waiting, the better the air quality," Mr Wickes explained.

Under EU environmental legislation, member states need to take adequate measures to ensure that concentrations of nitrogen dioxide do not exceed safe limits.

Other pollutants covered under the directive include sulphur dioxide, lead and particulate matter.

Posted by Lauren Steadman