A busy street in Leeds has been dubbed the “most polluted street in the UK outside London” due to its high air quality levels.
The recommended safe level of Nitrogen dioxide, which comes from traffic fumes and, along with other pollution such as particulate matter, is 40 ug/m3. The road has long standing problems with air pollution and it was reported in 2019 that the pollution levels in Neville Street were 88 ug/m3. There are roadworks across the city centre including underway in Neville Street as part of a multi-million pound redevelopment of the entrance to Leeds station and as the city prepares for the permanent closure to traffic in February 2023. However, under the plans, the street will be revamped with new pedestrian and cycle friendly routes but this has seen drivers complain about being stuck in hours of traffic as they drive through the city centre.
Most of the city centre and its connecting roads/ motorways are in some way under restrictions due to road works. So not surprising