POLLUTION hotspots in Colchester have been ‘named and shamed’ as part of an investigation by environmentalists.

A nationwide survey by Friends of the Earth has seen a map compiled highlighting where air pollution limits are breached.

The Air Quality Objective for Nitrogen Dioxide is below 40ug/m3.

But nine locations across Colchester exceed this limit during 2017.

This included Brook Street, High Street, St John’s Street, Osborne Street, Mersea Road and Lucy Lane at the A12.

All the locations fall within Colchester Council’s air quality management areas.

The Colchester figures:

  • Brook Street = 48.55
  • Brook Street = 45.7
  • High Street = 41.08
  • High Street = 40.52
  • St John’s Street = 42.83
  • Osborne Street = 43.25
  • Mersea Road = 43.92
  • Mersea Road = 46.44
  • Lucy Lane, A12 = 46.08

Air pollution is known to reduce life expectancy and pose various health risks.

Recent studies have linked it to heart disease, dementia, lung problems, breathing difficulties and miscarriages.

READ MORE: £440k works make Brook Street WORSE for pollution and queues

Friends of the Earth called for more Clear Air Zones to be created across the country.

A spokesman for Colchester Council said it was expecting updated data for 2018 in the next few months.

The council has action plans in place and has developed a number of initiatives to improve air quality.

READ MORE: Colchester's air quality is improving, but there's still a lot to do

These include:

• retrofitting ten buses to reduce emissions with additional funding to upgrade a further 18

• amended the council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy to encourage cleaner vehicles

• the introduction and promotion of AirText, a free air quality forecasting, monitoring and alert service

• introduction of a “No Idling” policy for council staff. Meaning people must switch off their vehicle engines when stationary

• supporting Clean Air Day and other national campaigns and events

• planned introduction of electric charging points in council car parks

• Working in partnership with Colchester Travel Plan Club on a car sharing scheme.

Councillor Martin Goss, said: “We want to ensure our residents are able to live healthy lives and the fact that the number of AQMAs we have has declined is very encouraging, however we know that pollution and poor air quality does still exist in three areas.

“This latest report shows that we are delivering on our commitment to tackle poor air quality, but we do have work to do in some parts of the borough and will continue to work with other authorities to tackle these areas.

“Air pollution is so harmful to people’s health and wellbeing and I would encourage everyone to consider the simple steps they could take to make a difference, such as turning off their engines while stationary.

“The East Hill end of the High Street is an excellent example of where ‘no vehicle idling’ at the traffic lights has the potential to have a positive impact on air quality and subsequently people’s health and lives.”