Nitrogen dioxide and particle pollution near trunk roads and in towns of the South Midlands in England

Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) and particulate emis sions play an important role in atmospheric pol lution and might be a major cause of human res piratory problems in urban areas. This report provides an overview of traffic-related emis sions monitored on several trunk roads and towns of the South Midlands of England between 1996 and 1999. NO2 pollution on major trunk roads frequently exceeded British and European Union air quality standards, while particle pollution was lower. The possible effects of traffic diversion activities in the research area are discussed. Bypasses of busy trunk roads might reduce NO2 pollution between 30 and 40% in urban centres and improve air quality for inhabitants in those areas.