FRUSTRATION has been expressed at the slow progress in reducing pollution in Winchester city centre.

The centre on-way system and main routes have been covered by an Air Quality Management Area since 2003 with the first action plan launched in 2006.

But levels of nitrogen dioxide and particulates remain stubbornly high.

Air pollution in Winchester is largely caused by traffic so the first lockdown reduced traffic and also pollution, the health and environment committee heard.

Cllr Frank Pearson, Conservative, said he had been trying to reduce pollution for 15 years. "It must be very frustrating for you guys (council officers). We are tinkering around the edges of this."

David Ingram, head of environmental health & licensing, said the council policy was to try to reduce traffic in the city centre with differential parking charges to encourage the use of park and ride.

The key thing was to keep traffic coming in to the city centre to maintain the economic life of the city centre.

"The most significant improvement in air quality would be realised by a significant reduction in vehicles accessing the town centre. There is a dichotomy in how we reduce levels of traffic without having a direct impact on economic prospects. We are trying to discourage more polluting vehicles such as SUVs.

He said the uptake of electric vehicles had been more than offset by the increased number of SUVs on the roads which was "very disappointing."

Mr Ingram told the health and environment committee that domestic wood burners were also adding to the problem of particulates

A public consultation is being held into how to tackle traffic pollution. The deadline for responses regarding a supplementary planning document for air quality is April 12.

The committee also discussed the council's Carbon Neutrality Action Plan.

Steve Lincoln, community planning manager, said efforts were being made to encourage people to live a greener lifestyle. A campaigns officer is being recruited, funded by the Government's climate fund.

"We want to create a sense of movement in the district and something we want everyone to want to be a part of."

The council is cutting its footprint by with various measures including using electric vehicles and reducing staff commuting.

Cllr Liz Hutchison, Liberal Democrat, said the city saw 8-9,000 vehicles coming into Winchester of commuters, showing the need for the city to have more affordable homes, to reduce the need for such travel.

She added that behaviour change must be linked to infrastructure: "We have to make the streets attractive and safe for pedestrians and cyclists. If we change the streets and make them pedestrian friendly suddenly everyone starts walking."

"It is as simple as that. It is not telling people to do it, but it is creating the conditions that make it possible. We haven't started doing that yet in Winchester. As soon as people feel safe they will start walking and cycling automatically."

Cllr Jackie Porter, Lib Dem, said of behaviour change: "Don't underestimate lots of people making small changes: eating a vegetarian meal twice a week, using a slow cooker more often. Not everyone will rush out and buy an electric car."