IT IS HOPED that a zero emissions zone in Oxford will reduce dangerous levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the city’s air – but which areas would benefit the most?

Using statistics provided via Oxfordshire’s district councils, the Oxford Mail has compared a number of locations throughout the city based on their NO2 levels.

Nitrogen Dioxide, largely produced by diesels, is linked to asthma, cancer and heart problems.

All of the figures are taken from diffusion tubes that show an average figure for the year.

These results are taken from 2016 as an average.

St Clements, the worst affected area, has an average of 61 micrograms of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) per cubic metre of air.

Oxford Mail:

Thoug levels are falling, that level is more than 50 per cent above the European Union legal limit of 40μg/m3.

But what about the rest of the city? 

  • St Clement’s: 61 micrograms of NO2 per cubic metre of air
  • High Street: 53 micrograms of NO2 per cubic metre of air St Aldate’s: 49 micrograms of NO2 per cubic metre of air
  • George Street: 49 micrograms of NO2 per cubic metre of air
  • Folly Bridge (Abingdon Road): 41 micrograms of NO2 per cubic metre of air
  • Botley Road/Hill View Road: 40 micrograms of NO2 per cubic metre of air
  • Queen Street: 36 micrograms of NO2 per cubic metre of air
  • High Street/Turl Street: 36 micrograms of NO2 per cubic metre of air
  • Boundary Brook Road: 34 micrograms of NO2 per cubic metre of air
  • Osney Lane/Hollybush: 33 micrograms of NO2 per cubic metre of air
  • Magdalen Bridge: 28 micrograms of NO2 per cubic metre of air