High-tech pollution sensors to help reduce emissions and improve air quality on Sefton’s roads

Sefton Council is gathering pollution data with brand new sensors to monitor and improve air quality at some of the Borough’s biggest junctions.

Located at seven key junctions around Sefton, the sensors will give the Council’s Highways Management team access to real-time updates on air quality on key roads for the first time.

Among the locations where the devices will be located is Dunnings Bridge Road in the south of the Borough. which is known to be a hotspot for air pollution. Fitted to traffic lights, they will monitor harmful gases and particulate matter.

The data collected will be sent live to Highways Management as they control traffic signals and electronic signage on major corridors. This will enable them to manage traffic flows and even implement diversions, to help avoid serious congestion and reduce harmful emissions, particularly in built up areas most affected by air pollution.

The seven sensors have been funded by the Liverpool City Region ,and Sefton Council has installed a further three outside schools in the north of the Borough to monitor the levels of air pollution near certain schools.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said:

“I am delighted to see the installation of these sensors in Sefton.

“Poor air quality can have a really damaging effect on our environment and on the health of our community. This new technology will allow us to monitor air quality along congested routes in real time and enable us to develop strategies aimed at reducing air pollution.

“Clean Air Day is a chance for us all to celebrate work like this aimed at monitoring and addressing air quality in challenging areas of our borough and considering how we can all have an impact on improving air quality in Sefton.”