Concern over air pollution despite drop in emissions

POLLUTION campaigners say there remain "alarming" concerns about the state of Newcastle's air, despite a drop in emissions.

- DANIEL HOLLAND

Newcastle City Council released new data last week which showed a 9% fall in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels between 2023 and 2024, hailed as evidence that the city centre Clean Air Zone (CAZ) tolls are having a positive impact.

The number of streets in the city where NO2 levels are known to be exceeding legal limits had dropped from 48 to just two since 2019 - with Stephenson Road, near the Corner House junction on the Coast Road in Heaton, being the worst hot spot, followed by Percy Street in the city centre.

But the report published by the local authority last week admits progress has been “slower than expected” on tackling another form of harmful pollutant in the air, particulate matter, due to factors including funding challenges and a lack of “political buy-in”.