REVEALED: Air pollution hot spots in Sheffield where deadly fumes are more than twice legal limit

Air pollution in Sheffield is up to two-and-a-half times the legal limit, shocking new figures show.
Diesel engines are one of the main sources of toxic nitrogen dioxideDiesel engines are one of the main sources of toxic nitrogen dioxide
Diesel engines are one of the main sources of toxic nitrogen dioxide

Dangerously high levels of nitrogen dioxide have been recorded around the city as part of a community monitoring scheme.

The concentration of the noxious gas breaches the European Union threshold of 40 micograms per cubic metre at dozens of sites across Ecclesall, Crookes, Darnall, Tinsley and other areas.

Nether Edge Primary School, where air pollution exceeds EU regulationsNether Edge Primary School, where air pollution exceeds EU regulations
Nether Edge Primary School, where air pollution exceeds EU regulations
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Those include primary schools in Nether Edge, where pupils are breathing in a harmful soup of smog on a daily basis.

The most polluted spot is at Sheffield station, where all 14 monitors recorded illegal levels of the toxin.

At the station's taxi rank, over 100 micograms of NO2 per cubic metre was found, and at platform 3A/2B, the level was more than 90μg/m3.

The latest readings, published at the beginning of May, were taken from monitors placed across Sheffield as part of the East End Quality of Life Initiative.

Nether Edge Primary School, where air pollution exceeds EU regulationsNether Edge Primary School, where air pollution exceeds EU regulations
Nether Edge Primary School, where air pollution exceeds EU regulations
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They show average NO2 levels at numerous locations during the first three months of this year.

Air pollution causes an estimated 500 premature deaths in Sheffield each year, according to Sheffield Friends of the Earth.

John Mothersole, chief executive of Sheffield Council, said: "Air quality is a major national problem. We realise this is an issue in Sheffield and are 100 per cent committed to tackling it. Our city is changing rapidly and we must improve air quality for all our residents.

"We have already taken action where necessary. Our recently-published sustainability vision also shows our commitment to improving air quality and creating a sustainable and integrated transport system that supports the city’s growth ambitions.

Nether Edge Primary School, where air pollution exceeds EU regulationsNether Edge Primary School, where air pollution exceeds EU regulations
Nether Edge Primary School, where air pollution exceeds EU regulations
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"We welcome the Government’s announcement and, together with the other cities named in this report, will now study the implications for Sheffield and the wider region."

The council's sustainability plan, approved in March, set out five priorities including reducing air pollution to a point 'well below' the EU limit.

To achieve this, it recommended shifting away from diesel vehicles to those powered by electricity, gas and other more sustainable sources of energy.

SHEFFIELD'S MOST POLLUTED SPOTS (areas where average nitrogen dioxide levels exceed EU limit)

Nether Edge Primary School, where air pollution exceeds EU regulationsNether Edge Primary School, where air pollution exceeds EU regulations
Nether Edge Primary School, where air pollution exceeds EU regulations
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ABBEYDALE ROAD CORRIDORButterworth Cycles, S7 1TAAbbeydale Road/Carterknowle RoadAbbeydale Road, S7 2BHChippendale, Abbeydale Road/Archer Road S7 2BJLa Scala, Abbeydale RoadAbbeydale Road South/Abbey Lane

CROOKES AND BROOMHILLCrookes Road (opp Hoole Road) S10 5BBNewbould Lane/Watson RoadManchester Road/Fulwood Road junction

DARNALLShop Front Parkway R/A S9 4AE

ECCLESALL (January and February only)Books on the Park S11 8TGEcclesall Fisheries (over 50)

HILLSBOROUGH/MALIN BRIDGE/WALKLEYWalkley Road/South Road (March only) (over 50)

KELHAM ISLANDWickerLady's BridgePenistone Road

NETHER EDGENether Edge SchoolHolt House School

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PENISTONE ROADPenistone Road/Bickerton RoadCatchbar Lane traffic lightWinster RoadPenistone Road/Dixon Lane

SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITYSheaf Street 2Sheaf Street station sideStation taxi rank 1Station taxi rank 2Fitzalan Square

SHEFFIELD STATION14 monitors all exceed legal cap

TINSLEY FORUMTown StreetSiemens Close (M1 end)Old Tinsley Infants School