During 1998, levels of particulates [3] have exceeded the Government's health standards on 30 days in Port Talbot, 21 days in Central London and 20 days in Glasgow. Ozone(summertime smog) levels [4] have been above health standards for 22 days in Thurrock.
Other areas with more than 10 days above health standards include Bradford, Bristol, Bury,Cardiff, Exeter, Harwell (Oxfordshire), Hillingdon, Kingston, Lullington Heath (Sussex),Plymouth, Redcar, Scunthorpe, Sibton (East Anglia), Stoke, Swansea and Yarner Wood(Devon). In most of these areas, the main source of pollution is road traffic [5].

Because of defects in monitoring methods, particulate problems could be even worse than Government figures show, according to a new study commissioned by the European Commission. The study showed levels of particulate pollution in some cities were much higher than previously believed: new readings taken in Birmingham showed levels of particulates 20-30% higher than Government estimates [6].

The Government has already accepted that traffic reduction will be needed in some areas to tackle pollution problems. The National Air Quality Strategy says that “policies ... to reduce the quantity or growth in road transport” will be needed in “particularly sensitive areas” .

Commenting, Tony Bosworth, Friends of the Earth's Air Pollution Campaigner, said:

“Voluntary initiatives like Don't Choke Britain are welcome, and help educate

people about the problems of the way we travel. But they are no substitute for tough Government action to tackle car use. Much of Britain is already choking.Between 12,000 and 24,000 premature deaths happen every year because of air pollution. This needless waste of life will continue until the Government acts.John Prescott must use next month's White Paper to announce more money for buses and bikes, tougher controls on car-based development and further cuts in road building.”