UK Air Quality Strategy requires local authorities to assess the problem of pollution hotspots, and to draw up Action Plans to achieve Quality Objectives by 2003-2005.
Nottingham has identified two pollutants likely to exceed objectives: Nitrogen Dioxide and Sulphur Dioxide.
SULPHUR DIOXIDE
There is only one area where Sulphur dioxide levels exceed objectives. This is an area about half a mile radius around the City Hospital's coal fired boiler. Pollution affects the whole of the hospital site and parts of Sherwood and Edwards Lane Estate.
The Hospital will be asked to change its fuel.
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NITROGEN DIOXIDE
The biggest problem is Nitrogen Dioxide, caused largely by road traffic. Objectives are seriously exceeded all the way along the M1, on several parts of the Nottingham Ring Road, and in a large area around Nottingham City Centre.
The City Council is already consulting on a Clear Zone for the City Centre.
One of the other areas of concern is around Dunkirk, taking in the Queen's Medical Centre and Nottingham University's Technical Block.
Traffic reduction along the City's main roads will have to be taken seriously.
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