AIR pollution in York is still breaching guidelines set by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Local authority data for 2018, highlighted by Friends of the Earth (FOE), shows that the city has 15 monitoring stations breaching the limits for nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

The station taxi rank returned the highest levels, at 58.6 micrograms (ug) per cubic metre (m3), well above the limit set for local authorities of 40ug.

Traffic is the major cause of NO2 pollution, which causes problems for people with asthma and other lung conditions.

It has also been shown to harm lung and brain development in children.

FOE campaigner, Simon Bowens, said: “Air pollution is a public health emergency that cuts thousands of lives short each year across Yorkshire, with children, older people and the poorest most at risk.

“Local authorities need to up their game and take the necessary action for the sake of our health and wellbeing.

“It’s also important, however, that local authorities get proper support from central government, which has very much passed the buck when it comes to cleaning up our air.”

Despite the findings, City of York council insists that York’s air quality has improved in recent years.

Cllr Andrew Waller, executive member for the environment, said: “York has the most extensive real-time monitoring of air quality outside London and this is shaping council policy.

“Our sustained work on combating air pollution has resulted in a trend of air quality improving over recent years. However, we recognise that we can do more.

“This is why we are consulting on a Clean Air Zone, the first voluntary Clean Air Zone in the country.

“We deliberately place real-time monitoring in hot spots and this ensures that we are able to make the case to government for support to overcome air quality issues.

“York’s Low Emission Strategy and Air Quality Action Plan continue to deliver air quality improvement across the city."

He said measures included converting 17 per cent of York’s taxis from diesel to ultra-low emission electric hybrids, a new taxi licensing policy specifying minimum emission standards for new taxis, introducing electric buses on the York Park & Ride network and encouraging residents to walk, cycle and use public transport to beat congestion and pollution.

York Green Party leader, Cllr Andy D’Agorne, said: “York has a good picture of the traffic pollution hotspots, and some good strategies promoting electric vehicles.

“However, we need to cut general traffic levels and raise more awareness of the value of switching off diesel engines whenever possible.

“The council agreed six months ago to install signs reminding bus drivers to do this, but we are still no nearer to having these signs on display at key points like Rougier Street and Merchantgate, where buses often wait for several minutes with engines still running.”

Aside from the station, other hotspots highlighted by Friends of the Earth around York include Holgate Road, Blossom Street, Lawrence Street, Rougier Street to the junction of Bridge Street and Micklegate, the junction at Low Ousegate and Clifford Street, Coppergate, St Leonard’s Place, Bootham and Gillygate.