POLLUTION levels in Worcester's Lowesmoor are 50 per cent above the Government's legal limits - with council chiefs insisting health concerns are behind the decision to shut it off.

Two days before controversial traffic restrictions kick in, Worcestershire County Council says worry over high nitrogen dioxide levels has led to the move.

Your Worcester News can reveal:

- The street is the most polluted in the county, with a reading of 60 milligrams of nitrogen dioxide for every cubic metre of air

- The legal limit is set at 40 milligrams, with the Government saying anything above that could lead to lung problems and an increased risk of respiratory symptoms like coughs, bronchitis, allergies and phlegm

- Pollution levels have increased steadily in recent years, with the council saying stationary traffic, Lowesmoor's narrow road and its close proximity rows of two or three storey buildings has led to the problem

The county council collects the data yearly, and says only in recent years has it risen so high above the legal limit.

The release of the data on the dioxide levels follows criticism in recent weeks that the traffic regulation order will worsen congestion in the city, push up taxi rates and harm trade.

The changes from Sunday will limit access to just emergency services, cyclists and buses throughout the day westbound into the city, and between 3.30pm and 6.30pm eastbound A council spokesman said: "The nature of the environment and queuing traffic are the main factors causing the issue.

"The buildings are mainly two or three storey and the thoroughfare itself is quite narrow, which means emissions, particularly from stationary vehicles, are not able to disperse as quickly as in other areas, for example the Bridge Street and Dolday area."

Evidence of the health effects of air pollution at levels which are currently common across Europe has grown stronger over the past few years.

Although the studies are not absolutely conclusive, the current threshold has come from the World Health Organisation and is set in legislation on the basis 'long term' exposure to more pollution about 40 milligrams could prove harmful.

Councillor John Smith, cabinet member for highways, said: "We appreciate that these measures will cause inconvenience to users of Lowesmoor.

"Consideration of the enforcement has been very much a last choice for the council."

Traders are still concerned about the move.

Uwe Meier, from Harvey Smith Butchers in Lowesmoor, said: "The traffic will be horrendous around the city, it will cause real problems - everyone is worried about trade too."