AIR pollution owing to traffic on some of Barnsley’s busiest roads is being monitored after readings revealed they are above average for nitrogen dioxide levels.
Monitoring data from 2024 shows nitrogen dioxide levels remain above the UK annual limit at three locations, with the highest readings on two stretches of Harborough Hill Road, as well as on Sheffield Road in the town centre.
Nitrogen dioxide is closely linked to vehicle emissions and can aggravate respiratory conditions, particularly for people living close to busy roads.
The council says Barnsley’s air quality problems are typical of urban areas, with road transport identified as the main source of pollution.
Several areas of the borough are already designated as air quality management areas, including stretches of the M1 motorway, Dodworth Road, Harborough Hill Road, parts of Langsett and key junctions near the town centre, where pollution levels have historically exceeded legal limits.
Barnsley Council has subsequently launched a public consultation on its draft air quality action plan for 2025 to 2030, which sets out how it intends to tackle pollution over the period.
Residents are being asked to share their views before the consultation closes on February 1.
A report said: “Emissions from road transport in future years will also be affected by other factors including population growth and improvements in vehicle emissions technology.
“As a result, all locations are expected to reach compliance for annual mean NO2 concentrations by 2030.”
According to the draft plan, cars and heavy goods vehicles are responsible for a large share of emissions at these locations, although the balance varies from place to place.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said one in 20 deaths are linked to the health impacts caused by air pollution.
Coun Wendy Cain, cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities, told the Chronicle: “We continuously monitor and review outdoor air quality levels, and together with our partners, we are committed to addressing air quality, climate change, and improving the health and wellbeing of our residents.
“Initiatives like Barnsley Intelligent Transport Systems which aim to minimise the traffic problems, investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, active travel schemes, enforcement of clean air regulations, and the latest SYMCA’s decision to take over control of the bus network in South Yorkshire are examples of workstreams that are being implemented to support positive behaviour change, reduce emissions and improve air quality in the area.”
