Residents in the Lancaster area can now check the air quality thanks to a new online tool linked to 13 districtwide monitors fixed to lampposts.
The Lancaster district's EarthSense Portal shows residents where air pollution peaks are occurring, enabling them to avoid more polluted areas such as when socialising, exercising outdoors or commuting by bicycle, said Lancaster City Council.
Last year, the sensors to monitor air pollution were placed on lamp columns throughout the Lancaster and Morecambe district.
Read more: Reason for 12 'mystery boxes' placed on lampposts in Lancaster is revealed - Beyond Radio
Lancaster City Council was awarded £198,794 to help tackle air pollution through the Defra Air Quality Grant last year.
The city council said they have taken steps to improve the city’s air quality by enhancing the EV charging infrastructure to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles; Improving cycling and pedestrian infrastructure to get more people walking and cycling; and electrifying the council’s fleet and publicly available electric car club.
A council spokesperson said that over the past few years, there has been an improvement in levels of nitrogen dioxide, which is mainly emitted from traffic and can harm health.
The spokesperson said that a common air pollutant PM2.5, which consists of very small particles found in dust and smoke, has also dipped, although it often rises in the winter months due to domestic burning of fires and wood burners.
Later this year the council will release a new Air Quality Action Plan following public consultation.
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