Southampton City Council has reported that the city's air quality improved during lockdown due to a reduction in road traffic.

An independent review, ordered by the council, used automatic monitoring stations to record levels of pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), compared to levels recorded last year.

The analysis found that NO2 levels across the city were 12% lower between March and June of this year, compared to the same time frame in 2019.

The reduction has been linked to a 55% decrease in road traffic seen over the same period.

Weather conditions also affect the concentration of pollutants in the air and it was concluded that this did lead to some spikes in pollution recorded.

Reducing road traffic emissions is said to be "a key theme" in the council’s Green City Plan as these emissions are the most significant contributor to poor air quality in Southampton.

The Green City Plan is a list of over 60 actions that the council aims to deliver over the next three years to work towards their vision of a "cleaner, greener, healthier and more sustainable city."

Councillor Steve Leggett, Cabinet Member for Green City & Place, said: "The air pollution improvements highlighted in this report illustrate that our Green City Charter goal of achieving levels of NO2 as low as 25 micrograms is possible, if we can continue to reduce transport emissions."

"Our Green City Plan clearly defines how we will continue to tackle air pollution.

"We are working with residents, key stakeholders, businesses and community groups across Southampton to reduce the impact we all have on our environment."

Mr Leggett encouraged members of the public to consider alternative transport options to reduce the city's air pollution.

He said: "The recent reduction in road emissions and associated improvements in air pollution has shown that we can all do our bit to help everyone in Southampton benefit from cleaner air."

"Reducing the impact vehicles have on our roads by switching some journeys to sustainable alternatives is a simple and effective way to make a difference.

"We encourage everyone to review active travel options in Southampton, we have a growing cycle network across the city, excellent public transport and we incentivise switching to electric vehicles."