Traffic lights ‘are causing pollution’ (From Evesham Journal)

Traffic lights ‘are causing pollution’

11:39am Thursday 17th September 2009 in News

CONGESTION at traffic lights in Port Street is a major reason why the area has unacceptable levels of nitrogen dioxide in the air, according to Evesham town councillors.

The town council was invited to comment on an air quality report prepared by Wychavon District Council, which targeted how to combat the high levels of pollution in Port Street, between its junctions with Waterside.

Mayor Alan Booth said: “Traffic spends too long at the traffic lights waiting to turn left into Waterside. Having said that, if you look at the readings, they have all dropped since 2007.”

Coun John Payne shared a similar view, adding that he thought more could be done to make people avoid driving through the town and that the removal of the traffic lights altogether could be the answer.

“I have been banging on about signage in Evesham for years.

“There should be more encouragement to people to use the bypass.

“A lot of cars come down Port Street and turn left.

“If they got rid of the traffic lights altogether it would ease congestion and be the best thing to happen since they did the same to the lights on Bridge Street many years ago.”

In the report, Wychavon outlined a number of measures to improve air quality in Port Street.

These include direct measures such as altering the phasing of the traffic lights, upgrading pelican crossings to puffin crossings and restrictions on loading and unloading of delivery vehicles.

Other ‘indirect’ measures suggested, were to improve walking and cycling facilities and to encourage car sharing.