Pedestrians get pollution sensors

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Sensors will be fitted to pedestrians and in buses as part of a £4.1m project aiming to measure pollution levels across England.

The devices will be used to measure pollution in London, Cambridge, Leicester and Gateshead.

Experts believe the data will provide a better picture of how transport impacts upon the environment.

Transport minister Stephen Ladyman said he was committed to research which delivered real, long-term benefits.

Pedestrians will get pocket-sized sensors and shoebox-sized devices will be fitted to the buses.

Air quality

The project, which will begin soon, is being funded by the Department for Transport and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

Using the sensors, specialists, including experts from five universities, will be able to collect real-time air quality data.

Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman said: "The project will provide a much better, more detailed picture of the environmental impact of transport, allowing future decisions to be made on the basis of sound scientific evidence.

"This project will enable the development of technologies to manage our transport systems as efficiently and effectively as possible."