'Concern' over Bristol's pollution hotspots

Dangerous levels of air pollution have been found in three traffic hotspots in South Gloucestershire, it has been reported.

According to the Bristol Evening Post, high levels of nitrogen dioxide have been found at Staple Hill, Kingswood High Street and the Cribbs Causeway.

Local councillors are now calling for action to be taken. However, it could be years before something is done, the publication noted.

Speaking to the newspaper, councillor Pat Rooney said: "First the council has to consult on the definition of the areas. That will take until October. Then the council has said that it has to undertake even more monitoring until December 2010."

In related news, Green MEP Jean Lambert said recently that the country's air quality must improve before the 2012 Olympic Games.

She told the Hackney Gazette that failing to cut pollution levels could cause an embarrassing situation for the UK in the lead up to the sporting event.